Springtail in the Mist
February 26, 2018
A globular springtail is ambling around on our deck. He and hundreds more like him have come out during the morning mist to graze. He glistens in the wet weather, as tiny water droplets cling to his sparkling microscopic hairs.
These creatures are not bugs, and not even insects, but part of a smaller group of 6-legged arthropods called "collembola." This particular one is about two millimeters long with beautiful purple and gold markings. Springtails have a unique characteristic of "springing" out of the way if threatened. If you didn't know better, you might think they were fleas.
(a "MacroMondays" submission, theme "Less Than An Inch" HMM!)
Brewster, Massachusetts
Cape Cod - USA
Photo by brucetopher
© Bruce Christopher 2018
All Rights Reserved
...always learning - critiques welcome.
Tools: Canon 7D & iPhone 6s.
No use without permission.
Please email for usage info.
Springtail in the Mist
February 26, 2018
A globular springtail is ambling around on our deck. He and hundreds more like him have come out during the morning mist to graze. He glistens in the wet weather, as tiny water droplets cling to his sparkling microscopic hairs.
These creatures are not bugs, and not even insects, but part of a smaller group of 6-legged arthropods called "collembola." This particular one is about two millimeters long with beautiful purple and gold markings. Springtails have a unique characteristic of "springing" out of the way if threatened. If you didn't know better, you might think they were fleas.
(a "MacroMondays" submission, theme "Less Than An Inch" HMM!)
Brewster, Massachusetts
Cape Cod - USA
Photo by brucetopher
© Bruce Christopher 2018
All Rights Reserved
...always learning - critiques welcome.
Tools: Canon 7D & iPhone 6s.
No use without permission.
Please email for usage info.