Photonsbeek Home Page
Page: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Springtail Orchesella villosa
The forked tail section called the furca is clearly visible in this picture. When releasing it the insect can jump huge distances and heights. The furca is 'springloaded' by strong longitudinal abdominal muscles. During the jump in the air the furca is folded underneath the body and is locked 'springloaded' into its position by the retinaculum, a device located at the basis inbetween the two arms of the fork but this is not visible in this picture (Information provided by Frans Janssens).
This one is approx. 2mm long and obviously needs to work on his landing technique!