Springtail grooming ...
Another behaviour shot of the aquatic springtail Sminthurides aquaticus. This female (about 1mm long) is on a piece of bark that is floating on the surface of our garden pond.
These springtails produce a globule of fluid and then roll it around their body with their legs, to clean themselves. Fascinating to watch, but difficult to photograph. This individual was only about 1mm long. A composite of two images, blended in Photoshop.
Springtail grooming ...
Another behaviour shot of the aquatic springtail Sminthurides aquaticus. This female (about 1mm long) is on a piece of bark that is floating on the surface of our garden pond.
These springtails produce a globule of fluid and then roll it around their body with their legs, to clean themselves. Fascinating to watch, but difficult to photograph. This individual was only about 1mm long. A composite of two images, blended in Photoshop.