Symphypleona-
the globular springtail
Without doubt the cutest order of all the springtails, the Symphypleona are globular, with a distinctive, rounded body shape and usually long antennae. Often multi-coloured, and nearly always with at least some ocelli, one of their defining characteristics is having some fused thoracic and abdominal segments, as opposed to the separate and distinct segments of the Poduromorpha and Entomobryomorpha. They don't seem to be able to get any larger than 3.5mm, so all the people who really want a genetically modified giant Symphypleona as a pet to walk in the park must sadly let that one go. It's a terrible shame.
Katianna species, Montagu Tasmania Australia April 2014
Novakatianna species, rotten log, regenerating bush, Thames NZ Feb 2016
A. regina Southern Forests, Tasmania, April 2014
Adephoderia regina, above, is from an unusual family of springtails, the Spinothecidae. They all have a bizarre neck organ, probably used in oxygen exchange. The genus Adelphoderia has the largest and most impressive organ, obvious even under a hand lens, while the other Spinothecidae have smaller, thin tube-like organs, often hidden by the angle of the head.
Temeritas species, Lamington National Park, Queensland, Australia, May 2016
Rastriopes species, Soldier's Hill, Victoria, Australia April 2016
Sminthurides aquaticus, Dundon, Somerset, Jan 2014
