| Entomobrya nivalis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Collembola |
| Order: | Entomobryomorpha |
| Family: | Entomobryidae |
| Genus: | Entomobrya |
| Species: | E. nivalis |
| Binomial name | |
| Entomobrya nivalis | |
Entomobrya nivalis, the cosmopolitan springtail, is a species of slender springtails in the family Entomobryidae. [1] [2]
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]
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]
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