Vertagopus arboreus

Description

The diagnostic features of this isotomid are short dense setal cover, a bluish iridisation and pale legs. Juvenile stages are violet in colour. 

Similar Species

Vertagopus cinereus has darker legs and lacks the blue iridescence. 

Identification difficulty
Habitat

On tree trunks, under dead bark and on bare wood. It is often found on fences near cracks in the wood where it seeks cover if disturbed.

UK Status

Common and widespread.

VC55 Status

Not known.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Springtails & Bristletails
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Entomobryomorpha
Family:
Isotomidae
Records on NatureSpot:
23
First record:
26/02/2012 (Gould, David)
Last record:
24/01/2024 (Higgott, Mike)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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