Moth fly & Springtail

Psychodidae or Moth Flies are small true flies (Diptera) with short, hairy bodies and wings giving them a "furry" moth-like appearance. This is a species with whitish wings which are held parallel to each other rather than diverging and with a pronounced black transverse shade.

http://www.canon-fodder-forums.com/p.../1080drain.jpg





Commonly known as a springtail, these creatures can grow to 4mm long. 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.

http://www.canon-fodder-forums.com/p...springtail.jpg


Paul.

Excellent images of insects I haven't seen before and some encyclopedic info thrown in as well. Can't fault it Paul. (">

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Originally Posted by BigBird

Excellent images of insects I haven't seen before and some encyclopedic info thrown in as well. Can't fault it Paul. (">

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Cheers m8.

You will have seen them - but not really looked. The moth fly is the little white thing seen at night often around compost bins and other damp places in the garden, and th springtail is the little tiny brown thing you see on the soil in the garden that boings out of view when you disturb them!


Paul.