A Guide to the Insects of the Coal Oil Point Reserve

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Funded in part by the UCSB Pearl Chase Fund

Last updated 08/15/2005
  Insects of Coal Oil Point > Guide > Collembola - Springtails

Collembola - Springtails

Springtailsare a large order of minute insects. They take their common name from aforked organ extending from the end of the abdomen of most species thatcan be used to propel the insect hundreds of body lengths away, puttingthem among the top ranked insect jumpers.

Springtailsmay be incredibly abundant, occurring in great numbers in and aroundwrack and other decaying vegetation. However, because most are lessthan 2 mm in length, they are rarely noticed. They are nonethelessamong the most important scavengers at Coal Oil Point, as well as inmost terrestrial environments. We have found four different species ofspringtails at the Reserve, though there are doubtlessly more.




Springtail Photos
(click to enlarge)
 
sminthurid
Sminthuridae

spring2
spring3
spring4

 

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