Barely visible to the naked eye and with a length of 2mm, this springtail has distinctive purplish markings on its back, especially the crucial broken “U” on the large 4th abdominal segment, and the continuous “W” on the same segment, which helps to identify it compared to other similar species; but length of abdominal segments also need to be taken into account. Similar to E. nivalis, although there seems some disagreement amongst the experts whether E. intermedia and E. nivalis are one and the same species but with variations in the markings.
They feed on leaf-litter and other dead plant matter. Found all year round living in leaf-litter and other plant detritus. Common and widespread throughout Great Britain.
March 2017, on old sundial, rear garden, Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2017.
To learn more about springtails please click on the image below:
Orchesella villosa
Very tricky to spot I imagine
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Yes, they are Gunnar. Sometimes if I lift a plant pot there are a number of them there, which makes them easier to see.
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I don’t know which would be more difficult – spotting it in the first place or trying to photograph it. Well done! 🙂
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Thank you, Vicki 🙂 Very tricky to photo, not just because of the small size of them, but also because once they sense you they either spring off and are gone, or just keep fidgeting!
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