Entomobrya nivalis, the cosmopolitan springtail, is a species of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae.[1][2]
| Entomobrya nivalis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Subclass: | Collembola |
| Family: | Entomobryidae |
| Genus: | Entomobrya |
| Species: | E. nivalis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Entomobrya nivalis | |
Description edit
The cosmopolitan springtail measures about 2 mm in length. Its color consists of a yellow or white background with dark pigment forming transversal bands along the third segment of the thorax and the segments 2 to 6 of the abdomen. The fourth segment of the abdomen has a U- or 11-shaped pattern that easily distinguishes this species from others in the genus Entomobrya.[3]
Ecology edit
The cosmopolitan springtail is found in temperate and polar regions of North America and Europe.[3][4] Juveniles usually live in the leaf litter of forests and migrate upward after becoming adults, living among lichens growing on trees. During winter, they shelter under loose portions of bark.[5]
The hemolymph of the cosmopolitan springtail is rich in antifreeze compounds, allowing it to withstand the very low temperatures of winter.[5]
References edit
- ^ "Entomobrya nivalis Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
- ^ "Entomobrya nivalis species details". Catalogue of Life. Retrieved 2018-05-02.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b Katz, A.D.; Giordano, R.; Soto-Adames, F. (2015). "Taxonomic review and phylogenetic analysis of fifteen North American Entomobrya (Collembola, Entomobryidae), including four new species". ZooKeys (525): 1–75. doi:10.3897/zookeys.525.6020. PMC 4607850. PMID 26487816.
- ^ "Entomobrya nivalis". GBIF. Retrieved 2018-05-02.
- ^ a b Meier, P.; Zettel, J . (1997). "Cold hardiness in Entomobrya nivalis (Collembola, Entomobryidae): annual cycle of polyols and antifreeze proteins, and antifreeze triggering by temperature and photoperiod". Journal of Comparative Physiology B. 167 (4): 297–304. doi:10.1007/s003600050077. ISSN 0174-1578. S2CID 32596223.
Further reading edit
- Katz, A. D.; Giordano, R.; Soto-Adames, F. (2015). "Taxonomic review and phylogenetic analysis of fifteen North American Entomobrya (Collembola, Entomobryidae), including four new species". ZooKeys (525): 1–75. doi:10.3897/zookeys.525.6020. PMC 4607850. PMID 26487816.
External links edit
Media related to Entomobrya nivalis at Wikimedia Commons
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