Springtail Wiki

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Trade name

Lilac Springtail

Common name North America

Also written as: Lilac Springtails, Lilack Springtail, Lylac Springtail

Sold as Lilac Springtail. The most likely species is Ceratophysella isabellae.

I bought this Open the key with this name selected. It starts from the species behind the name and asks what you can see.

What you probably have

These are the species the name may stand for. The order and the words show how sure we are.

  • Likely

    Ceratophysella isabellae

    Sold as the hobby culture Lilac

    A collembologist examined the stock and gave Ceratophysella isabellae. The seller says the identification may change with time. Anecdotal 1

Where the name comes from

The stock was first sold as Ceratophysella sp. Purple Springtails. Many hobbyists decided Purple should stay free for truly purple species that have not yet entered the hobby, and that Lilac describes the true colour better. Anecdotal 1

If you sell or buy under this name

Tip Sell stock under a species name only after a microscope has confirmed it, and buy from sellers who can trace the stock back to a microscope identification. Anecdotal 1

Sources

  1. 1

    Springtail Identification and Common Name Resource

    Pavy R. Springtails US

    Link works · Retailer

    Cited at Species plus common name changes, Ceratophysella sp "Purple Springtails" to "Lilac Springtails"; hobby name list, Ceratophysella isabellae "Lilac"; hobby name list, Tomocerus minor "Giant Runner Springtail".