Entomobrya nicoleti
This record describes Entomobrya nicoleti (species). Recorded family: Entomobryidae. Recorded order: Entomobryomorpha.
Identification and Appearance
Typical pattern = 2 bilateral spots at posterior part of 4th abdominal segment. This form has never been recorded from the USA. Therefore the cf. (=confer, 'like') in the name. US taxonomists consider such specimens as light colour forms of E. multifasciata or E. nivalis . (Comment by Frans Janssens)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Collembola
- Order
- Entomobryomorpha (Elongate-bodied Springtails)
- Superfamily
- Entomobryoidea
- Family
- Entomobryidae (Slender Springtails)
- Subfamily
- Entomobryinae
- Genus
- Entomobrya
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Europe, Australia, Macronesia (widespread and common in the UK). Probably introduced in NA.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Entomobrya nicoleti (Lubbock 1870)
About Globular Springtails: the wider group
Order-level background for Entomobryomorpha, the group containing Entomobrya nicoleti. 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.
Photos of Entomobrya nicoleti (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Entomobrya nicoleti
What is Entomobrya nicoleti?
Entomobrya nicoleti is a species in the family Entomobryidae, within the order Entomobryomorpha.
How do you identify Entomobrya nicoleti?
Typical pattern = 2 bilateral spots at posterior part of 4th abdominal segment. This form has never been recorded from the USA. Therefore the cf. (=confer, 'like') in the name. US taxonomists consider such specimens as light colour forms of E. multifasciata or E. nivalis . (Comment by Frans Janssens)
Where is Entomobrya nicoleti found?
Range: Europe, Australia, Macronesia (widespread and common in the UK). Probably introduced in NA.