Springtail and slime mold

Description:

Springtail (Collembola) of the Entomobrya genus (in the family Entomobryidae, the so-called "slender springtails") with a slime mold, Comatricha nigra. Apparently, springtails feed on slime molds. Not much is known about the particular breeding cycle, diet, behavior, and microhabitat preferences of any individual species in the genus, however, some species are more thoroughly studied. In general, many Entomobrya live in the leaf litter and on bark in forests. They have internal mouthparts which help them eat bacteria and funguses off of the surfaces on which they live. Many Entomobrya species are gregarious, though it is not known whether this is because they prefer to live in groups or because this is an artefact them being drawn to the same limited resources. Some species prefer the more moist habitat that occurs under fallen leaves at the interface between the litter and the soil. Other species prefer rotting wood both under, and on top of, the bark. Collembola are hexapods but not insects, they belong to the class called Entognatha because they have internal mouthparts, unlike insects, which have external mouthparts.Collembolans are omnivorous, free-living organisms that prefer moist conditions. They do not directly engage in the decomposition of organic matter, but, rather, can indirectly through the fragmentation of organic matter.

Habitat:

Spotted on a rotten and fallen pine tree trunk

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/60 sec.; f/32; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: 0 EV. Focal Length: 90.0 mm. Flash fired