Allacma fusca
This record describes Allacma fusca (species). Recorded family: Sminthuridae. Recorded order: Symphypleona.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsal 'snowflake' pattern, typical in A. fusca and best seen in pale colour forms. Colour form usignata has U-shaped dorsal sign. (Comments by Frans Janssens)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Collembola
- Order
- Symphypleona (Globular Springtails)
- Superfamily
- Sminthuroidea
- Family
- Sminthuridae
- Subfamily
- Sminthurinae
- Genus
- Allacma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
holarctic
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Allacma fusca (Linnæus 1758)
About Globular Springtails: the wider group
Order-level background for Symphypleona, the group containing Allacma fusca. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Symphypleona (globular springtails) includes ~1,200 described species. These round-bodied springtails are found on vegetation surfaces, in soil, and even on water surfaces where they can skate using surface tension.
Ecological role of the group
Symphypleona feed on fungal spores, pollen, algae, and decaying plant material. They play critical roles in nutrient cycling and are among the first colonizers of disturbed or newly formed soils.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Globular springtails are important bioindicator species used in ecotoxicology testing for soil contamination. ISO standard soil toxicity tests use springtail species like Folsomia candida.
Recorded sources for this group: ISO ecotoxicology standards, soil biology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Allacma fusca (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Allacma fusca
What is Allacma fusca?
Allacma fusca is a species in the family Sminthuridae, within the order Symphypleona.
How big is Allacma fusca?
Up to 3.5 mm
How do you identify Allacma fusca?
Dorsal 'snowflake' pattern, typical in A. fusca and best seen in pale colour forms. Colour form usignata has U-shaped dorsal sign. (Comments by Frans Janssens)
Where is Allacma fusca found?
Range: holarctic