Entomobryomorpha

Springtail genera/species to know in the Entomobryomorpha Peter Shaw

Introduction • Entomobryomorpha are “typical” springtails and generally have a well developed furca. If you see some in your garden or pitfall traps without a lens it’s usually this group!

• They are further subdivided into those where body segments are about equal length (Isotomidae = equally cut), and those where abd 3 or 4 is enlarged reflecting large muscles (Entomobryidae). Equal length

Unequal length – abd 4 enlarged

Genera in the Entomobryidae • Generally large with ciliated macrochaetae and well developed furca. Some have scales.

Tomocerus, etc •

It used to be simple – a very big scaly springtail with ant3 elongated and annulated was Tomocerus, and for me always will be. (6 eyes, oddly). Then someone removed the biggest of all, T. longicornis, to the genus Pogonognathellus.

The furcula lies in a groove in the abdomen

Tomocerus sp – note long ant. III. In this genus ant3 hardly tapers at all and hs no scales.

6 eyes on Tomocerus

Tomocerus minor and vulgaris Tomocerus minor,