Sminthurid Springtail
Ptenothrix atra
This record describes Ptenothrix atra (species). Recorded family: Poduridae. Recorded order: Entomobryomorpha.
Identification and Appearance
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Entomobryomorpha (Globular Springtails)
- Superfamily
- Katiannoidea
- Family
- Poduridae
- Subfamily
- Ptenothricinae
- Genus
- Ptenothrix
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
About Globular Springtails: the wider group
Order-level background for Entomobryomorpha, the group containing Ptenothrix atra. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Entomobryomorpha is a major order of springtails (Collembola) with ~4,000 described species. Springtails are among the most abundant land arthropods - a single square meter of soil can contain 100,000 individuals.
Ecological role of the group
Springtails are critical to soil food webs - they break down decaying organic matter, disperse fungal spores, and regulate soil microbial communities. They can jump up to 100× their body length using a fork-like structure (furcula) held under tension.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Springtails are mostly beneficial, playing essential roles in soil health and decomposition. Some species are minor pests in greenhouses and mushroom farms. They are increasingly used as bioindicators for soil contamination and pesticide impacts.
Recorded sources for this group: Soil ecology research, Collembola studies. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.