SEM of a springtail head

Scanning electron microscope picture of a springtail, a member of the family of hexapods, Collembola. Springtails are an ancient group that first evolved over 400 million years ago. The picture shows the primitive eyes, called ocelli, in two groups of five on the top of the head. The short antennae, consisting of four thick segments ( two, to top) are also a primitive feature. Springtails are widespread and numerous in natural environments, with an estimated number of over 500 million individuals per hectare of meadow land to a depth of 25cm. They inhabit soil and leaf litter, and play an important role in the recycling of organic detritus, part of their diet. They also consume fungal hyphae, bacteria and animal remains. and so have an beneficial role in maintenance of the natural environment. There is no evidence that they cause harm to humans. Magnification: x 700 at 8x10 inch size., by DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY