COLLEMBOLA > PODUROMORPHA > NEANUROIDEA > Neanuridae > Neanurinae

The PODUROMORPHA order comprises around 90 species separated into various families which, in turn, are grouped into three superfamilies, HYPOGASTUROIDEA, NEANUROIDEA and ONYCHIUROIDEA. Each family group has different characteristics but, in general terms, poduromorphs can be distinguished from other springtail species by their body shape. We know from the introduction that both the PODUROMORPHA and ENTOMOBRYOMORPHA have an elongate body form with six visible abdominal segments. The primary difference is that poduromorphs have a well-developed first thoracic segment, whereas with entomobryomorphs it is very much reduced. The enlarged first thoracic segment almost merges with the head in many species giving them a somewhat strange, and certainly unusual, appearance.

If you didn't know a little bit about Collembola, you could be forgiven for thinking that these particular species had been incorrectly placed as they don't look like a 'typical' springtail but, then again, there isn't a 'typical' springtail, which is what makes the group as a whole so interesting.

Most poduromorphs are slow moving, short-legged, soft-bodied soil and leaf-litter species that in the main have no use of a spring-tail (furca). We have to be slightly careful though as some do, so we can't generalise. And, that's why, the first couplet in the 'key' for these species uses the presence or absence of a furca as the lead character before questioning whether the body is covered in warty bumps and long setae.

There are only four species that have these distinctive features, one of which is Neanura muscorum.

It averages around 3.5mm long and is described as being either bluish-grey or purple/lilac although, from photos I've looked at, the colour is actually quite variable. Some individuals are almost creamy with just a slight lilac tinge. They could be juveniles, but I'm not sure. The antennae are short and stubby, and the eyes (unfortunately not visible in my photos) have three very distinctively placed ocelli - two together at the front and one separated at the back. The body is certainly plump with the head rather lost. Warty bumps are present particularly towards the back end of the abdomen, and the body has some long setae.

Although generally regarded as a soil-inhabiting species, Neanura muscorum is more usually found under bark on decaying wood. It is extremely common, although rarely recorded, and may be found at any time of the year. It occurs in various habitats and is widespread across most areas of the country.

The small size and difficulty in identifying most poduromorphs makes this a very overlooked group, even with species such as Neanura muscorum and its close relative Monobella grassei which are so distinctive. I suspect that this is due to the fact that confirmed sightings normally rely on more detailed information than is available from a photo.

For reference, some of the individuals featured here - the first that I photographed - were found in the New Forest near Burley in an area known as Bolderwood where, like elsewhere in the forest, there's a woodland management policy to retain standing and fallen deadwood. The retention, rather than clearing, of fallen timber is really important for recycling nutrients back into the soil and providing micro ecosystems for a variety of invertebrates. This became very evident when I found these springtails on a large trunk that had had its branches removed, but had been left at the side of the track. Not only were there other springtail species, but also various millipedes, woodlice, saproxylic beetles, mites and much more all living on the same piece of timber.