[large (2)] Hi everyone! I noticed we have great discussion topics for birds, arachnids, and other groups… so why not one for Collembola (springtails)? These tiny hexapods are found almost everywhere—soil, leaf litter, moss, compost piles, even snowfields—and yet they’re often overlooked despite…

Yep, you can post this on iNaturalist! Though it’s of the subfamily Tomocerinae, likely Pogonognathellus based on antennae length, although we still don’t fully understand the true diversity of the family, so probably best to leave it at subfamily until everything is sorted out. Thanks for sharing! …

One of my best springtails obs, I think, because my macro zoom actually worked in the bright sunlight, and the log was great!! :wink: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/330020025

I’ve been able to find a fair number of springtails the last few weeks by sifting leaf litter. It’s crazy how many springtails are just sitting in leaves. I use an advanced setup of a cat litter box to sift the leaves.

I’ve never actually tried sifting through leaves before. Instead, I pan for springtails (using a plastic lid) which has always worked wonders for me. How does your sifting method work?

I’ll attach some photos of the box The white part is held up a half inch or so from the grey part, allowing things to fall in. I scoop up some leaves, usually down to the dirt, and dump them into the combined white and grey parts. I try to do this near a tree or a body of water to increase my chanc…

My best find is definitely this Dragon Springtail https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/165114440 I also like these guys that wear a furry stole https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/218351076 and this smooth springtail https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/305172909 Short-legged spri…

Nice! Australia has some really great springtails (and loads of undescribed ones).

Thanks for checking my IDs. I’m pretty lost on springtails but they’re irresistible to photograph

[image] tcriley: I’ve been able to find a fair number of springtails the last few weeks Your springtail photos are awesome! What type of camera do you use?

Springtail Discussion Topic

Nature Talk

macrotim December 12, 2025, 12:37am 9

Thanks for the info!

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Springtail Discussion Topic

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