Cotton Springtail
Entomobrya unostrigata
This record describes Entomobrya unostrigata (species). Recorded family: Entomobryidae. Recorded order: Entomobryomorpha.
Identification and Appearance
Note the typical fine middorsal line and the thick transversal band in the middle of its trunk.
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
Nearctic, Eurasia, Australia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Entomobrya unostrigata (Stach 1930)
About Globular Springtails: the wider group
Order-level background for Entomobryomorpha, the group containing Entomobrya unostrigata. 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 Cotton Springtail (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Lynette Elliott , Mike Quinn , v belov , KenW
Frequently Asked Questions About Cotton Springtail
What is Cotton Springtail?
Cotton Springtail (Entomobrya unostrigata) is a species in the family Entomobryidae, within the order Entomobryomorpha.
How do you identify Cotton Springtail?
Note the typical fine middorsal line and the thick transversal band in the middle of its trunk.
Where is Cotton Springtail found?
Range: Nearctic, Eurasia, Australia