Caption: Springtail (Folsomia candida). The name "springtail" refers to the specialized jumping appendage (furcula) at the end of the abdomen. When the insect is undisturbed these appendages are turned forwards and held in position by a catch beneath the abdomen; but in case of alarm they are kicked forcibly downwards and backwards, jerking the body into the air. Springtails have remained anatomically unchanged for millions of years, and are considered living fossils. They are wingless. The antennae are the main sense organs, as their eyes are small and poorly developed. Springtails live mainly in leaf litter, and feed on decaying matter and are important in soil biology and soil ecology.
Magnification*: x60
Type: SEM
Keywords: 20084B.TIF 09.01.04 apterygota apterygote Folsomia candida furcula insect insects invertebrate invertebrates Order Collembola soil soil biology soil ecology spring tail springtail wingless SEM |

*(Magnifications are based on a 35mm slide image of 24mm in the narrow dimension.)