COLLEMBOLA > ENTOMOBRYOMORPHA > ENTOMOBRYOIDEA > Entomobryidae > Lepidocyrtinae

Lepidocyrtus is a difficult genus even with close examination of specimens.

Six forms have been recorded in Britain; five are probably common and widespread - the other, Lepidocyrtus ruber, is a scarce wetland species. They can be broadly separated into two groups.

The first group consists of three species, Lepidocyrtus curvicollis, Lepidocyrtus lanuginosus and Lepidocyrtus lignorum, that are described as being predominately pale with, to varying degrees, traces of blue pigment on the head, thorax and legs. Lepidocyrtus curvicollis may be further distinguished by having a somewhat prominent second thoracic segment that overhangs the head, and Lepidocyrtus lignorum by its roundish, rather than elongate, eyepatch. They typically grow to around 2mm.

The remaining species, Lepidocyrtus cyaneus and Lepidocyrtus violaceus have more uniform blue or violet pigmentation, with the latter being the most strongly coloured of the two. They average a little smaller at around 1.5mm. Whilst Lepidocyrtus cyaneus is the most frequently observed species, Lepidocyrtus violaceus may well be far more common than current records suggest.

The problem, as always, is that positive identification can only be verified by checking fine detail under a microscope which, in this case, is down to the scales on the legs and antennal segments. There simply aren't that many people with the enthusiasm, knowledge and capabilities of doing that, so records are bound to be skewed in favour of the areas where these experts live or visit. The situation is what it is, which is why casual observers have to accept that there are many species that can't be identified or indeed recorded.  

In respect of individuals featured here though, we have likely candidates according to two of the country's leading springtail experts. The first specimen, found under rotting wood, is probably Lepidocyrtus cyaneus from its general appearance and colouration, coupled with where it was found. The second is almost certainly Lepidocyrtus lignorum, although a pale cyaneus or dark lanuginosus, even though unlikely, is a possibilty.