1mm small collembola, and a huge aphid!

[Paul]

If they were side by side the collembola springtail was about the size of the aphid's head! It is probably as small as I have managed to capture even at 2:1 and a 10mm extension tube still left a large crop to get a good look at it!

The aphid is common enough, but I've not a clue what is attached to its back (unless it is a bit of moss or similar).

The springtail is either a be a very juvenile of the Gen / sp nov bunch in Katiannidae, or possibly Bourletiella hortensis or Bourletiella viridescens though I'm leaning toward the former.

 

 

Tried cropping more but starts to lose definition...

 

Paul.

Edited February 18, 2022 by Paul

[CMunzel]

You’re working with very tiny insects here, Paul. It does look like a bit of moss if the aphid’s back. The springtail is transparent. 

[Paul]

Yes indeed it was tiny - at this size and how they move makes them incredibly hard to even spot them as a potential subject!

Paul.

[Ryewolf]

Great set as always Paul.

[Paul]

Thanks Geoff.

Paul.