COLLEMBOLA > ENTOMOBRYOMORPHA > ENTOMOBRYOIDEA > Entomobryidae > Entomobryinae

As previously noted, the Entomobrya genus is represented in Britain by just eight species of which only five are regarded as common. In this respect, I thought it would be interesting to check the available distribution records which, at the time of writing (September 2022), showed that the most frequently recorded is Entombrya nivalis, followed by E.intermedia, then E.albocincta, E.nicoleti and E.multifasciata.

Strangely though, there were no records for Entomobrya intermedia from Dorset despite the fact that it was the second most recorded species nationwide, so how it's seen as being both common and widespread is a bit of a mystery. However, I fully appreciate the problems with identification and recording of Collembola in general and have commented further about this on other 'species accounts'.

Entomobrya intermedia averages around 2mm in length and is a pale dirty-yellow colour with distinctive burgundy markings. It is often confused with Entomobrya nivalis, which is another reason why distribution records can be incorrect although, in saying that, I have to note that E.nivalis has only two accepted records from Dorset. Incorrect identification from photos can easily occur if they don't show the abdominal markings, or have been over-flashed to the point that the pattern becomes non-descript. The important thing to observe is the shape of the markings at the end of the abdomen; in Entomobrya intermedia the ‘U’ is missing the corners, whereas in Entomobrya nivalis it is complete. The antennae have four segments, with the basal two not subdivided. The body is not iridescent or covered in scales, but does have numerous setae

The associated UoR page includes a useful pigmentation schematic that helps separate the species, and also shows the feint 'W' marking across the top of the abdomen, which is a further characteristic of the species.

At present I only have two photos of this particular species that are worth featuring.