Springtail sized vs 1p coin

[racketman]

similar to 1 cent US coin. These insects dont mind movemnet around them but will spring off if touched. I notice they jump when colliding with each other.

i'm sure that wasnt there a minute ago!

http://www.pbase.com/racketman/image/74092100.jpg

neither long nor tall

http://www.pbase.com/racketman/image/74092099.jpg

juvenile - about 1/3 the size of the previous at c. 1mm

http://www.pbase.com/racketman/image/74092103.jpg

you again!

http://www.pbase.com/racketman/image/74092101.jpg

[scraps]

Wow, nice work. Great comparison. I'm not sure if we have springtails here, I've never seen one. Maybe I just haven't looked hard enough. Still can't wait for Spring....

[racketman]

oh you've got them alright - they are everywhere - you just need to get your eye in. In fact they are the most numerous insect.

[Action_Man]

I like those a lot :) ...

[LordV]

Wonderful series RM- can just see the springtail thinking-"cor that would keep me in pocket money for a while" in the last shot :)
Brian V.

[racketman]

interesting thought - now if you melted the penny down and restruck it into pennies sized for a Springtail, how rich would it be?
My brain hurts already....

[scraps]

oh you've got them alright - they are everywhere - you just need to get your eye in. In fact they are the most numerous insect.

What are some of thier favorite haunts? Are ther ecertain times of day they are more active or easier to locate?

EDIT - To answer my own question (from and internet search)

"Springtails are usually found in damp situations. Soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, fungi, mosses, caves, shorelines (freshwater and marine), and even the surface of water are habitats for many species. Some can be found arboreally on vegetation, and some can be found out and about in the winter, on rocks and snow. Some of these winter (also alpine and arctic) species may aggregate and form visible masses, or their abundance may give a "tint" to snow and other substrates."

The article also made the comment of habitata numbering up to 100,000 per square meter...you'd think I'd be able to locate some....

[racketman]

What are some of thier favorite haunts? Are ther ecertain times of day they are more active or easier to locate?

The article also made the comment of habitata numbering up to 100,000 per square meter...you'd think I'd be able to locate some....

I've seen that quote before - I would imagine that is in very specific enviroments as they seem too spread out to make up those numbers when I see them.
You should find them on the damp green areas at the base of trees or look on benches and the like situated near vegetation. No doubt leaf litter is a good place but they will be better camouflaged there. Good hunting.

[zman]

Great size comparison; in numerous threads your MP-E makes them look like they're much bigger, more like a small dog not 2mm. :lol:

[hidden forms]

great series of pics, like the first pic the most

[dpastern]

Excellent series of images RM, the last one is my favourite. I can just see the Springtail going "now how the hell am I meant to fit that in my pockets?"

Dave

[bandit 1]

Hiya RM,

Excellent series of shots, like Dave the last one is my fav, it would be nice to see one in a water drop refection, now there's a challenge eh :)

Cheers for now
Mark

[Cactuspic]

That is one way of combating the percieved diminishment of US currency;) Good shots RM.:)

Irwin

[Lester Wareham]

Great illustration RM.

Now I have to ask it. Can't resist.

Was he spending a penny? :)