Sminthurinus species are very variable in colour pattern and it is essential to examine the presence or absence of ventral subapical setae on the dens in order to make a correct identification. The 'concolor-group' has TWO ventral subapical setae on the dens. (Figs. 1, 2). Sminthurus concolor is black-violet in colour and is found out of doors. Sminthurinus trinotatus is also found out of doors and is predominantly black with a prominent white spot on either side of the abdomen. Two other species have been recorded from glasshouses, or flower pots inside buildings. These are Sminthurinus domesticus (bluish-black all over, sometimes with a yellow median band) and Sminthurinus igniceps (body bluish-black, head white or pale yellow). However, the ease with which springtails can be imported on exotic plants means that the exact origin and identity of these specimens remains uncertain.
     Sminthurus concolor is a scarce but probably widespread species found mainly in moss, moist leaf litter and soil. It reaches 1.5 mm in length and is black-violet in colour. The fourth antennal segment (ant4) is NOT subdivided. Both edges of the mucro are serrated. In females, the long setae surrounding the anus are expanded at the base and the sub-anal appendages (SAA) are feathery at the tips. The empodium of the second and third legs (leg2 and leg3) is slightly shorter than the claw, but is longer than the claw on leg1. The tenaculum (i.e. the 'catch' for the furca) has two setae (Fig. 3). Apparently, Sminthurinus trinotatus is the only member of the 'concolor-group' with only one seta on the tenaculum.

Back to main page

Fig. 3; Two setae (1, 2) on the tenaculum of the same specimen of Sminthurinus concolor shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 (above) and 2 (below): Mucro and distal dens at two levels of focus of Sminthurinus concolor collected from the summit of Hart Crag (2698 feet) in September 1956 by Peter Lawrence.