Abstract
Springtails (Collembola) are abundant in the soil and among decaying plant matter. Some species inhabit the water surface, where they can be observed throughout the year (Damborenea et al. 2019; Fitter and Manuel 1986; Hopkin 1997; Illies 1978; Kriska and Tittizer 2009; Quigley 1977; Schulz et al. 1997; Thorp and Rogers 2015). Their delicate, cylindrical bodies are covered by a fur of velvety hairs. Two compound eyes and well-discernible antennae are situated on the head. Their thorax bears three pairs of short, three-jointed legs that are applied for the slow crawling motion of the animal. Springtails are primarily wingless arthropods. The abdomen consists of six segments and bears organs that are unique to collembolans. The first abdominal segment possesses a ventral tubular appendage (ventral tube or collophore).
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References
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Kriska, G. (2022). Springtails: Collembola. In: Freshwater Invertebrates in Central Europe. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95323-2_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-95323-2_12
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