Tomocerus longicornis is a common and widespread species, particularly in gardens. The antennae roll into coils when the animal is blown on (Figs. 1 and 2). The spines on the inner side of the dens are simple and there is a pair of large leaf-shaped scales present close to the point where the dentes join the manubrium (Fig. 3). The mucro is long and distinctive (Fig. 4). A unique character is the empodial appendage of the foot which is about 1.2 times as long as the claw (Fig. 5). Tomocerus longicornis is one of our largest springtails reaching 6 mm in length (not including the antennae).