Dicyrtoma fusca

Size 1.5 to 2 mm. This small globular springtail varies considerably in colour from a dark maroon red to a paler yellow form, the mottled patterning also varies. These are forms known as Dicyrtoma fusca var.1. There is also a much rarer melanistic dark (almost black) form, Dicyrtoma fusca var.2 and a leucistic form with dark ocelli on a pale eyepatch, Dicyrtoma fusca var. rufescens. 

Lives in damp places such as the moss on trees and in leaf litter.

All year round.

Feeds on mould and fungi.

Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Scotland but little recorded in Wales.

Thought to be fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland.