Entomobrya nivalis

Entomobrya nivalis, the cosmopolitan springtail, is a species of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae.[1][2]

Entomobrya nivalis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Entognatha (?)
Family: Entomobryidae
Genus: Entomobrya
Species:
E. nivalis
Binomial name
Entomobrya nivalis

Description

The cosmopolitan springtail measures about 2 mm in length. Its color consists of a yellow or white background with dark pigment forming transversal bands along the third segment of the thorax and the segments 2 to 6 of the abdomen. The fourth segment of the abdomen has a U- or 11-shaped pattern that easily distinguishes this species from others in the genus Entomobrya.[3]

Ecology

The cosmopolitan springtail is found in temperate and polar regions of North America and Europe.[3][4] Juveniles usually live in the leaf litter of forests and migrate upward after becoming adults, living among lichens growing on trees. During winter, they shelter under loose portions of bark.[5]

The hemolymph of the cosmopolitan springtail is rich in antifreeze compounds, allowing it to withstand the very low temperatures of winter.[5]

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References
  1. "Entomobrya nivalis Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  2. "Entomobrya nivalis species details". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  3. Katz, A.D.; Giordano, R.; Soto-Adames, F. (2015). "Taxonomic review and phylogenetic analysis of fifteen North American Entomobrya (Collembola, Entomobryidae), including four new species". ZooKeys. 525. doi:10.3897/zookeys.525.6020.
  4. "Entomobrya nivalis". GBIF. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
  5. Meier, P.; Zettel, J . (1997). "Cold hardiness in Entomobrya nivalis (Collembola, Entomobryidae): annual cycle of polyols and antifreeze proteins, and antifreeze triggering by temperature and photoperiod". Journal of Comparative Physiology B. 167 (4): 297–304. doi:10.1007/s003600050077. ISSN 0174-1578.

Further reading


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