# Dicyrtomina Ornata

Dicyrtomina Ornata is a tiny, fascinating springtail that loves to hop around in the soil. They help keep the earth healthy by breaking down decaying materials!

- **Category:** [Invertebrate](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/invertebrate)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger
- **Snaps:** 2
- **Habitat:** Moist soil and leaf litter in forests and gardens.
- **Also known as:** Jumping Bugs, Soil Hoppers, Springtail

![Dicyrtomina Ornata](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Dicyrtomina_ornata_56325607.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Alexis, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dicyrtomina_ornata_56325607.jpg)

## Appearance

The Dicyrtomina Ornata is a tiny, globular springtail, meaning it has a distinctively round body shape. It typically displays a beautiful pattern of yellow or orange with dark, often brownish or black, markings and bands. Its spherical form makes it visually stand out from many other elongated springtail species.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Collembola
- **Order:** Symphypleona
- **Family:** Dicyrtomidae
- **Genus:** Dicyrtomina

## Interesting facts

- Did you know springtails are one of the most numerous animals on Earth?
- Springtails use a special 'belly tube' to help them absorb water!
- These tiny jumpers have been around for over 400 million years!
- They can survive freezing temperatures by producing a natural antifreeze!

## Special abilities

- **Spring-loaded Jump:** Dicyrtomina Ornata can launch itself into the air using a special 'furcula' tail-like appendage that helps them escape predators quickly.
- **Water-Repellent Skin:** Dicyrtomina Ornata has a waxy cuticle that helps them shed water, staying dry even in very moist habitats.
- **Sticky Feet:** Dicyrtomina Ornata can cling to smooth surfaces using tiny claws and adhesive pads on their feet, allowing them to climb easily.

## Measurements & details

- **Length:** 1.5 mm
- **Lifespan:** 6 months
- **Jump Height:** 15 cm

## Diet & Feeding

They munch on tiny bits of decaying plants and fungi, helping to recycle nutrients!

- **Primary Foods:** Decaying plant matter, Fungi, Algae, Bacteria
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eats:** common mold (*Penicillium chrysogenum*) — Grazes on fungal hyphae and spores in its habitat.
- **Eats:** common soil bacteria (*Bacillus subtilis*) — Feeds on bacterial colonies in damp soil environments.
- **Eaten by:** European fire ant (*Myrmica rubra*) — Ants can prey on springtails found in soil and litter.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.

## Collections

- [Invertebrates](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/invertebrates)

## Safety

**Danger:** 0/5 · No known danger

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Dicyrtomina Ornata?

Compare body symmetry, shells, segments, legs, tentacles and how the animal moves. Invertebrates span many unrelated groups, so start with body structure. Invertebrate Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How long is Dicyrtomina Ornata?

1.5 mm

### How long does Dicyrtomina Ornata live?

6 months

### What does Dicyrtomina Ornata eat?

They munch on tiny bits of decaying plants and fungi, helping to recycle nutrients!

### Where is Dicyrtomina Ornata usually found?

Moist soil and leaf litter in forests and gardens.

### How does Dicyrtomina Ornata hunt?

Foraging

### What is the jump Height of Dicyrtomina Ornata?

15 cm

## Where to spot

- [Chesham](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chesham) — New Hampshire, US · Historic District
- [Stone Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/stone-zoo) — Massachusetts, US · Zoo
- [Be'er Sheva Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/beer-sheva-park) — Washington, US · Park

[View all places to see Dicyrtomina Ornata](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/dicyrtomina-ornata)

## More Invertebrate

- [Coral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coral)
- [Crab Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/crab-spider) (*Mecaphesa asperata*)
- [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Araneus diadematus*)
- [Brown Recluse Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-recluse-spider) (*Loxosceles reclusa*)

---

Source: [Dicyrtomina Ornata: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dicyrtomina-ornata)