Entomobrya zona
Entomobrya zona or the Rocky Mountain Springtail, is a species of springtail found in the Rocky Mountains, and they are also known from three caves in the Grand Canyon.[1] They are commonly found at high altitudes under rocks, and logs and in the entrance and twilight zones of caves. Little is known about their biology though they are thought to be trogolophiles.
| Entomobrya zona | |
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| Entomobrya zona from Colorado | |
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| Species: | E. zona |
| Binomial name | |
| Entomobrya zona Christiansen and Bellinger, 1980 | |
Description
Entomobrya zona is tan with black markings and grows to about 2 millimeters long. They often have a wide dark band running down the center of their abdomen which coupled with their distribution can be used to easily identify the species.
Habitat
They are known from elevations of 6,300 feet (1920 meters) to over 10,000 feet (3048 meters). These springtails can be found in arid environments and in coniferous forests in the Rockies and westward. Often found in caves and under rocks, logs and other debris.
Distribution
Range from central Mexico up into far southern Alaska. They are found at high elevations throughout their range.[2]