Springtail Wiki

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Trade name

Prospector Springtail

Trade name North America

Also written as: Prospector, Prospector Springtails, Prospecter Springtail

Sold as Prospector Springtail. The most likely species is Pseudosinella alba.

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

    Pseudosinella alba

    This species does not have a page yet.

    The seller lists Pseudosinella alba as the Prospector Springtail. The seller adds that it is unclear for now whether the identification is correct. Anecdotal 1

If you sell or buy under this name

Tip When an identification is tentative, write cf. before the species name and keep it until the match is confirmed. Anecdotal 2
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

What would settle it

  • Which species is this culture, checked by a specialist?

    Identification Needs a voucher specimen

    Why it matters. Hobby cultures are mostly named from a seller's label or a photograph. A wrong name spreads from seller to keeper and then into care advice.

    What would help. Preserved vouchers from the culture in 80 to 95 percent ethanol, mounted specimens examined by a springtail specialist, and a DNA barcode where a reference exists. Deposit the voucher with a museum or a university collection.

Sources

  1. 1

    Springtail Identification and Common Name Resource

    Pavy R. Springtails US

    Link works · Retailer

    Cited at hobby name list, Pseudosinella alba "Prospector Springtail"; hobby name list, Tomocerus minor "Giant Runner Springtail".

  2. 2

    Major Springtail Hobby Identification Updates (2026)

    Pavy R. 2026. Springtails US

    Link works · Retailer

    Cited at Isotomurus retardatus Green Water Springtail to Isotomurus cf. louisiana.