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Springtails of genus Desoria

 

The great thaw of the last few days has brought springtails jumping on the snow, in places in masses. Single individuals can be found at nearly every forest verge.

 

The most typical springtails in action on the snow belong to the genus Desoria. The species of this genus are spread all over the globe, wherever snow falls.

 

They are tiny, 2-3 mm long insects without wings. From a distance they look like little black dots. In magnification their body is dark purple and covered with lighter little hairs.

 

Our springtails like to live in the needles fallen down under spruces. One reason for coming out on to the snow is tought to be the opportunity to move comfortably from one pile of needles to another. Evidently there are also other reasons for being on the snow. According to my observations they often jump around in the same place during several days.

 

The tiny dots on the snow are springtails