Entomobrya nivalis
This record describes Entomobrya nivalis (species). Recorded family: Entomobryidae. Recorded order: Entomobryomorpha.
Identification and Appearance
Note the characteristic dorsal U-shaped marking on the posterior part of the abdomen. ( comment by Frans Janssens) ...nice illustration of the complications of identification based on macrophotographs. The typical U-shaped pigment pattern on the 4th abdominal segment is obfuscated by the gut contents. Due to the transparency of the body, the contents of the gut may contribute to the 'pigmentation' as in this specimen. The middorsal dark 'pigment' in this specimen is in fact the contents of the gut, especially the last dark part as seen in the 5th abdominal segment forming a faecal pellet. So be aware of these gut contents effect creating 'false pigmentation'. ( 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
n. holarctic
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Entomobrya nivalis (Linnæus 1758)
About Globular Springtails: the wider group
Order-level background for Entomobryomorpha, the group containing Entomobrya nivalis. 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 nivalis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Entomobrya nivalis
What is Entomobrya nivalis?
Entomobrya nivalis is a species in the family Entomobryidae, within the order Entomobryomorpha.
How do you identify Entomobrya nivalis?
Note the characteristic dorsal U-shaped marking on the posterior part of the abdomen. ( comment by Frans Janssens)
Where is Entomobrya nivalis found?
Range: n. holarctic