Folsomia candida
This record describes Folsomia candida (species). Recorded family: Isotomidae. Recorded order: Entomobryomorpha.
Identification and Appearance
...a common and widespread arthropod that occurs in soils throughout the world. The species is parthenogenetic and is easy to maintain in the laboratory on a diet of granulated dry yeast. F. candida has been used as a standard test organism for more than 40 years for estimating the effects of pesticides and environmental pollutants on nontarget soil arthropods. ( Fountain & Hopkin 2005 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Collembola
- Order
- Entomobryomorpha (Elongate-bodied Springtails)
- Family
- Isotomidae
- Subfamily
- Proisotominae
- Genus
- Folsomia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
cosmopolitan
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Folsomia candida Willem 1902
About Globular Springtails: the wider group
Order-level background for Entomobryomorpha, the group containing Folsomia candida. 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 Folsomia candida (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Ken Wolgemuth; Additional contributions by v belov