Folsomia prima
This record describes Folsomia prima (species). Recorded family: Isotomidae. Recorded order: Entomobryomorpha.
Identification and Appearance
...has a very characteristic white and black banding: each segment has an anterior white band and posterior black band at the segment margins. ―Frans Janssens
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
Nearctic
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Folsomia prima Mills 1931
About Globular Springtails: the wider group
Order-level background for Entomobryomorpha, the group containing Folsomia prima. 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 prima (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by John F. Carr; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Folsomia prima
What is Folsomia prima?
Folsomia prima is a species in the family Isotomidae, within the order Entomobryomorpha.
How do you identify Folsomia prima?
...has a very characteristic white and black banding: each segment has an anterior white band and posterior black band at the segment margins. ―Frans Janssens
Where is Folsomia prima found?
Range: Nearctic