Orchesella cincta

Description

The densely pigmented often yellowish third abdominal segment is characteristic, although the level of pigmentation is somewhat variable. They grow to around 4 mm so are just about recognisable with the naked eye. All the Orchesella species can have non-symmetrical antennae, possibly due to damage earlier in their life.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Various habitats such as under stones etc. It will also climb tree trunks to feed.

When to see it

All year round.

UK Status

One of the most common species of springtails in Britain.

VC55 Status

Very 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:
257
First record:
25/04/2009 (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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