Its chucking it down, but still...

[Paul Iddon]

Today, spotted this Camera-wetticus flashsoaked-ii globby on the fence 😅 It was (is still) bucketing down and I couldn't manage any better than these in the conditions...

It’s Dicyrtomina saundersi...

Paul.

 

[Asher Kelman]

But what is it?

 

[Paul Iddon]

Dicyrtomina saundersi... is one of the small "globular" Springtails (Collembola) from the family Dicyrtomidae. Within its distribution range it is easily found in leaf litter from late fall to early spring. It can be confused with other species of Dicyrtomina, most notably with D. ornata.

Paul.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Dicyrtomina saundersi... is one of the small "globular" Springtails (Collembola) from the family Dicyrtomidae. Within its distribution range it is easily found in leaf litter from late fall to early spring. It can be confused with other species of Dicyrtomina, most notably with D. ornata.

Paul.

Those are pretty resilient creatures! But are they sought after by birds?

 

[Paul Iddon]

I doubt most likely birds would bother, maybe blue tits or great tits, but in general, I would think they're pretty safe from our feathered friends.

Paul

 

[Asher Kelman]

I doubt most likely birds would bother, maybe blue tits or great tits, but in general, I would think they're pretty safe from our feathered friends.

Paul

What about slugs and 🐌 s

Should be in those mounds of rotting leaves!

 

[Paul Iddon]

Slugs like rotting matter, they can eat meat, but not so often, and u don't think they are quick enough!