Entomobrya nivalis

Description

About 2 mm in length but sometimes more. This group is characterised as having an enlarged fourth abdominal segment. Entomobrya nivalis is pale yellow with burgundy markings. The 'U' shaped markings at the end of the abdomen is complete, unlike E. intermedia where the 'U' is missing the 'corners'.

Similar Species

E. intermedia is frequently confused with E. nivalis but they can be separated by close examination of the abdominal markings.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Submissions need to show dorsal pigmentation clearly. 

Habitat

Anywhere where food can be found including compost heaps and leaf litter.

When to see it

All year round.

Life History

Feeds on living and dead vegetation.

UK Status

Common throughout Britain.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Springtails & Bristletails
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Entomobryomorpha
Family:
Entomobryidae
Records on NatureSpot:
61
First record:
20/03/2009 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
03/03/2024 (Nicholls, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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