ORDER: COLLEMBOLA (springtails)
with special reference to those found in Utah
prepared by: Edmunds, Hanson, and Nelson, compiled by Mortenson, and Tanner 2 Nov 2006
revised by: Nelson and Price, 9 Oct 2006; E. J. Billman 8 Oct 2008
Diagnosing Features:
Furcula and tenaculum (Fig. 1)
Collophore (Fig. 1)
post antennal organ (PAO) (Fig. 1)
0 to 8 ommatidia in eyepatch (Fig.1)
0.25-6 mm long
Habitat:
Aquatic Collembola can be found on the surface of water in lakes, ponds, and wetlands (Fig. 2a & b)). Terrestrial Collembola species (typically found in soil or leaf litter, under bark, andin decaying logs, fungi, ant nests, and termite nests) can be found accidentally on water because they are small and have a hydrophobic integument.
Trophic habits:
Collembola are decomposers, feeding on detritus. In the neuston (surface film on water surfaces), aquatic species feed on diatoms, unicellular algae, plankton, fluid, or bacteria.
Development:
Collembola do not metamorphose, and are there for ametabolous. Molting can occur after the adult stage is reached.
Preservation:
Collembola can be preserved in ethanol or by mounting on a slide.
Notes:
The furcula is a forked structure on the ventral side of the fourth abdominal segment which folds into the tenaculum on the ventral side of the third abdominal segment. The furcula is the jumping organ or “springtail” and the tenaculum holds the furcula in place. The collophore is a ventral tube on venter of 1st abdominal segment, and is an appendage for water uptake or osmoregulation, respiration, and adhesion. The post antennal organ (PAO) functions as a sensory mechanism responding to changes in barometric pressure, heat, and flashes of light.
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Fig.1 Diagram of anatomy of Collembola. Drawing by Eric Billman.
Fig 2. Example of pond habitat (a) and close-up view (b) of a group of collembolans on the water surface. Pictures by Riley Nelson.
Family: Poduridae
Morphology:
Mouthparts directed downwards and adapted for chewing.
Mandibles with molar plates.
Furcula present, exceeding ventral tube.
Ecology:
Poduridae are widespread and can be found on the water surface near the edges of a wide variety of streams and ponds. In autumn, they are frequently conspicuously abundant in fresh water marshes near Great Salt and Utah Lakes.
Utah Genera:
Podura aquatica(Fig. 3)
Fig. 3 Podura aquatica. Picture by Riley Nelson.
Family: Hypogastruridae
Morphology:
Dentes absent or relatively shorter and not ringed.
Pseudocelli absent.
Ecology:
These collembolans (Fig. 4) can be found near edges of wateron pond margins in theUintah Basin of Utah.
Utah Genera:
Xenylla
Fig. 4 Example of a Hypogasturidae. Picture by Riley Nelson.
Family: Isotomidae
Morphology:
PAO present in all but four species.
PAO is in the form of a single tubercle (round or elongate and parallel sided).
Ecology:
Isotomidae (Fig. 5) can be found near the edges of water on surfaces of fresh water marshes. They are found in fresh water marshes near Great Salt Lake, and have been reported from the Huntington Creek drainage by Winget.
Utah Genera:
Isotomurus
Fig. 5 Example of a Isotomidae. Picture by Riley Nelson.
Literature Cited:
Christiansen, K. A., and R. J. Snider. 2008. Aquatic Collembola. Pages 165-179 in R. W. Merritt, K. W. Cummins, and M. B. Berg, editors. An introduction to the aquatic insects of North America, 4th edition. Kendall/Hunt, Dubuque, Iowa.
Need a complete Literature Cited. Add Edmunds, Hanson, Winget, Nelson, etc.
Editorial history:
Pre-2006: Class handouts of Edmunds (xxxx), Hanson (xxxx), and Nelson (2005)
2006: Nelson and Price, collation of pre-2006 materials.
2006: Mortensen and Tanner, edit compilations, more formatting.
2008: Billman (2008) uniform formatting, addition of original drawing, and addition of Nelson photographs.
File name: collembola aquatic utah 2008 1.docx
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