Bioluminescent Springtails light up Christchurch, New Zealand

The GEO Gallery

New pictures of Anurida granaria coming soon! Before the events of 9-11-2000 Graham East sent specimens of what he believed were bioluminescent Collembola. Upon the same day that terrorist struck America toppling the World Trade Center's Twin Towers, email was received from Dr. Wanda Weiner informing me that Mr. East's initial specimens sent for identification contained a mix. This is certainly reflected in the photographs below. As the war began to rage in Afghanistan I have been able to manage to take time from my other endeavors and busy schedule, the Support America Campaign sponsored by the American Patriots Association, to provide Mr. East with the tutorage and information with respect to methodology that he required to obtain pure rearing stock of A. granaria. Then Murphy's Law came into play once again and what could go wrong, did go wrong. The U.S. Postal Service and various media were threatened with anthrax being sent in the mail. As founder and producer of the Support America Campaign I even received a threatening email alleged to be from a member of Osama Ben Laden's al Qaeda network. Prehaps someone did not like the pro American and anti-terrorist designs I produced, especially the $25-million dollar old western style wanted poster I published on-line. Though this threat, which was repeated, may have been a hoax, it was treated seriously and reported to the appropriate anti-terrorist authorities in Europe and the United States. Consequently this entailed delay in getting new specimens and providing security arrangements to insure that no terrorist would destroy me and by association, Project Geo. As time and circumstance permit, new photos will be provided to update this site and they will be of A. granaria. These pictures will be presented upon Page Two of the GEO Gallery. So your patience is appreciated in this respect. Thank you. Terry Lynch CEO, Project GEO

Photomicrographs for your enjoyment

These pictures are presented and maintained upon this site as they represent a tiny group of cosmopolitan Collembla which lives in apparent close association with Anurida granaria. They also are part of the chronology of events which have taken place in the progress of this research and educational project. They are presented for educational and enjoyment purposes and should be viewed with this in mind.

The GEO gallery features pictures related to Anurida granaria, a variety of bioluminescent Springtail or Collembola occurring in Christchurch, New Zealand. As new pictures come in this page will be updated, so check back often. Note: Anurida granaria is a cosmopolitan species and is often found mixed with other Collembola which do not appear to be bioluminescent. Many of the photographs on this page are of specimens found occurring with Anurida granaria which were not identified to species.

If you have specimens of Collembola which you would like photographed please contact Terry Lynch to whom you may also address comments. The pictures upon this site were selected for the beauty and wonder they reflect as well as their natural history value. But the photographer is NOT an expert on Collembola, so if this happens to be your field and you notice something which needs to be corrected, please be so kind as to address this issue. Thank you and enjoy the GEO gallery!

Figure 1. Anurida granaria, a variety of bioluminescent Springtail occuring in Christchurch, New Zealand. This tiny Springtail measures only 1.7 mm and was discovered by Graham East of Christchurch, New Zealand. According to Mr. East these "Glow Buddies" as he often refers to them, produce a soft greenish-yellow bioluminescence similar to the light emitted by fireflies or some species of bioluminescent bacteria. In his initial email, Mr. East writes, "Have found out that blind onychiuridae glow, and I think it is happening all the time in their tiny little lives." With further inquiry Mr. East explained that when observed in vivo this species is normally found to be glowing; then when disturbed, as by rolling over a log, their lights are turned off. The specimen shown here was shipped from New Zealand to the United States. According to Graham East, "I found a small slab of concrete, 6"x6"x1.5" and beneath was a colony in the making; not sure how many, perhaps 25. I did a hasty check for centipedes & mites, but saw none. Hope there aren't any on board, or they'll consume our friends. They seem 2 have a passion 4 rotting/rotted gum tree leaves." Although they expired in transit the specimen was still able to be photographed under dark field illumination and photo enhanced to glow anew in all its alleged splendor. Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 2. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. This is one of the first photos Graham East made of Anurida granaria, a bioluminescent Springtails he collected which occurs under logs, bricks or other ground cover in Christchurch, New Zealand. The photo was provided along with specimens which were used in the creation of this web site. Note the ivory white appearance, translucent body which scatters light, and short, stubby antennae which are characteristic of this species. Photo by Graham East

Figure 3. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. This is one of the many different species of Collembola Graham East collected while searching for bioluminescent Collembola. Seen here against 0.1mm scale the tiny Springtail measures in at approximately 1.7mm from stem to stern. This minute species presents a challenge for the naturalist. The fact that they aggregates in large numbers, are cosmopolitan, floats upon water, hide themselved from light and live in a remote part of the world, all contribute to its majesty and mystique. What it eats, its mating behavior, and the nature of its luminescence are all matters open to discovery. Note: Although this is not A. granaria, this specimen of Onychiurinae is presented here as it is a cosmopolitan species often found with A. granaria. When Graham East first began collecting bioluminescent Collembola he did not realize that these were cosmopolitan, and that he was collecting a mixed lot; i.e., several differet species. Later careful sorting of only bioluminescent specimens revealed that Anurida granaria was the species exhibiting bioluminescence. Because several other species often are found with A. granaria and it may be advantageous to study these species in association so as to learn how each species benefits from this association. Hence pictures of other species which live with A. granaria are also presented upon this site. Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 4. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. With a tiny bubble of air clinging to its dorsal surface of this Onychiurinae sp. appears to float in space like a tiny alien creature from another planet. In fact these small Springtails inhabit the cryptosphere, that unseen, often ignored world of plant debris, soil and small organisms which makes up the forest and meadow floor. Specimens are often found under bricks, discarded sheet metal, wood or other opaque material which may provide a hiding place for the tiny animals. According to Graham East one of his adventures through life is his discovery some 12-14 years ago that glowing insects reside on South Island. Mr. East writes, "They are everywhere here, and not a coastal phenomena as we (Helen & I) have found them about 8 miles inland, glowing." On a dark night it is possible to turn over objects which have been left laying upon the ground and see spectacular displays of the small creatures glowing. When a glowing aggregate is so disturbed they respond by turning out their lights. Mr. East writes that he is not an entomologist and is seeking help in identifying and describing this species.

What role glowing in Collembola may play is unknown. In firefly larvae of P. pyralis Lynch has found that larvae lanterns serve to enable formation of clusters or aggregates. This may also be the case in other bioluminescent animals like the species shown here. Also flashing displays in some species of insects when they are disturbed or when aggregates are alarmed may have a defensive role, confusing any predator and permitting escape. However, in the case of Collembola, the role of bioluminescense is yet to be established. Bioluminescence certainly may be of some survival benefit to Anurida granaria but the exact nature of this role has yet to be established through observation and experiment. It is certainly most curious, for a species suppose to be blind to be found glowing. Yet if this is an alarm reaction which confused prey, only the prey need to be aware of the glow. The mechanism by which bioluminescnece in Anurida granaria and the role it plays in survival of this species is certainly worth investigation and explanation. Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 5. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. The presence of two tiny anal horns or thorns "A" protruding from the posterior dorsal surfade D indicates this is certainly not A. granaria. Although not A. granaria, this specimen was collected in the field with A. granaria, which is a cosmopolitan species. "L" presents the lateral surface. Originally this specimen was being photographed as it was incorrectly presented as a species which was exhibiting bioluminescence. Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 6. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. One of Graham East's Collembola showing lateral pseudocelli. Although this is not A. granaria, owing to the fact it has lateral pseudocelli, the behavior of this cosmopolitan species which inhabits in the same econich as A. granaria, is worthy of consideration. Under dark field illumination a tiny, pale specimen reveals a myriad of hairs and small lateral pseudocelli, S and S2. My first impression was that these might be light sensing organs. However, I understand that pseudocelli in many Collembola have a different function, the secretion of repellant for defensive purposes. In vivo these Springtails avoid light, feeding upon decaying vegetation under brick, stone, wood or other objects. Because of their reclusive nature it is suspected they are able to detect and move away from light. Their antennae AL and AR serve to guide them through the dark debris and may contain olfactory and/or tactile sensors. Also apparent was the fact that the dorsal surface repels water and hence may contain a thin layer of wax. According to one Collembola expert, "The waxy effect is produced by epidermal wax glands that 'soak' the epicuticle from inside-out with wax through micropores that traverse the cuticula. This is a very complex and not yet well understood mechanism." Should this species produce repellant secretions and live in close association with A. granaria which glows when disturbed, this combination of alarm behaviors may have survival benefits for both species. Obviously if an entire aggregation glows when disturbed this reaction may obscure them from predators seeking to dine upon a more tiny morsel of Collembola. Also when individual or aggregates of Collembola secrets repellant fluid, any predators would tend to not feed upon the associated glowing Collembola once they got the taste of a few of the repugnant associated non-glowing Collembola. This association of two types of alarm behaviors, glowing and chemical discharge, if confirmed, may be the first time this combination of behaviors has been reported in these species. So what we may have is a blind species of Collembola living with a species which glows, both benefiting the other through their alarm behaviors. Another benefit A. granaria may gain by living is assoication with other Collembola, is that the glow of A. granaria could also alarm other species of Collembola, species which can better detect light than can A. granaria. Thus in a large aggregate of mixed species, the bioluminescense of A. granaria in response to being disturbed may serve to set off an alarm reaction in other species which can see this bright glow of light. Thus all species living in association with A. granaria may benefit from its bioluminescence. This would constitute a type of mutualism involving bioluminescence of one species (A. granaria) and light reception of other species (such as Supraphorura furcifera). Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 7. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. Antennae of one of Graham East's Collembola. Under 400X magnification distinctive features of the antennae are marked. Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 8. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. Although the short, stubby antennae, AL and AR, in this view of one of Graham East's Onychiurinae and its tiny anterior leg, L1, characteristic of the species are not remarkable, the mosaic pattern presented on the cuticle at X is quite spectacular! Shown here under very high contrast dark field illumination, reflection of light from the shield-like structure which is protecting the head reveals a shiny, waxy deposit which seems built up upon the dorsal surface and is in obvious contrast to other portions of the cuticle in this area. When observed at point X at higher magnification one is immediately struck with a spectacular array of tiny crater-like structures composing the cuticle, which shall hereinafter be called geodesic epicuticular structure or simply GEO-structure for short.

This mosaic cuticle may provide a base for wax deposites and contribute to the structure and support of the body. Apparently the ability to repel water and float of this Collembola is due to the waxy deposit upon its body which tends to create an air bubble or pocket of air when the Collembola is emerged in water. Therefore, in addition to give strength and support, this spectacular mosaic GEO-structure of wax covered cuticle acts as a life vest, keeping the Collembola afloat, reflecting its association with a coastal environment and the moist ecological niche of decaying vegetation and organic debris in which it makes its home.

At X1, X2 and X3 sunflower like structures were photographed through the cuticle (see Figure 10) Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 9. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. Perhaps the most striking and beautiful anatomical feature of this Onychiurinae collected by Graham East, is the GEO-structure or spectacular cuticle which under very high contrast dark field illumination reveals a mosaic of thousands of circular crater-like structures. Collectively these tiny GEO-structures create a spectacular impression, i.e., a surface which is quite remarkable, presenting a striking impression! Collectively these tiny GEO-structures may serve to provide a hardened surface which acts to give structure and support to the body.

Note: I realized in January 2002 that this spectacular structure was, in fact, a geodesic lattice or epicuticular framework which is characteristic of all Collembola. (See Addendum below). Hence this structure serves to give strength and support to the entire cuticle and is the framework upon which wax deposit is made.

Addendum: This photograph was taken at 400X in August of 2001 and is of the same specimen as shown in Figure 8. The photograph was taken at point "X." The very upper layer of the dorsal surface ("X" in Figure 8) between and posterior of the antennae was examined where it was not covered with wax, perhaps indicating the specimen had recently moulted. The head was underneath this region and completely obscured. The absence of wax enabled seeing the surface clearly in some areas.

When these photographs were first posted upon the Internet in August of 2001, there was ambiguity with respect to what was being shown in this photograph and I suggested that it would be revealing to make scanning electron micrographs of this area. In fact I was not aware that the subject I was photographing was a known species and was so impressed with the structure I saw under dark field illumination that I suggested this was the most remarkable feature of this species and should be used in naming the species. At that time I suggested to Graham East that the Latin term for the spectacular nature of this structure be used in naming the species. This photograph was also brought to the attention of Frans Janssens and he is currently in the process of preparing Some notes on the Ultrastructure of the Cuticula of Collembola which presents a good over view with respect to the structure of the cuticula. In January of 2002 it came to my attention that the structure shown in this picture, which is common to all Collembola and can not be seen with an optical microscope using traditional illumination, was being presented and described as the "basic hexagonal epicuticular pattern" in scanning electron micrographs subsequently made by Stephan Borénsztajn which were posted in the image gallery of the World Collembola site.

Thus I have concluded that these structures were not previously well known and that the majority of experts who observed Collembola only using optical microscopes had never seen the remarkable nature of this mosaic structure common to all Collembola; that perhaps what I had photographed had never been photographed with an optical microscope before as no one had bothered to use dark field illumination to photograph the cuticle of Collembola. Appearently I was the first one to do this in August of 2001, at least with respect to Onychiurus sp. So what was revealed was not only a spectacular structure for the specimen I was photographing, it was a spectacular structure common to all Collembola which had gone generally unnoticed by experts who had never examined Collembola using dark field illumination! In fact, this geodesic ultra structure is so spectacular that had it been known to those who selected a name for this order of insects, perhaps they would have have called them GEO instead of Collembola or Springtails, to emphasize the geodesic nature of the epicuticular ultrastructure! Why should those most enlightened and esteemed experts wish to rename this order of insects it would certainly be appropriate to call the order GEO after the geodesic nature of their cuticle.

What appears as a spectacular mosaic pattern under dark field illumination takes upon an even more spectacular appearance under the high power of a scanning electron microscope, revealing what may indeed be a geodesic or polygonal structure which gives strength and support to the cuticle of Collembola. The fact that this structure can not be easily seen by conventional illumination under an optical microscope does not deny the fact that this geodesic structure can be photographed and seen by the naked eye under dark field illumination, which is exactly what this photograph presents! Should the series of photograph and the observations and descriptions which were made at the same time during August 2001 be the first time that Collembola were observed and photographed under dark field illumination, then this certainly represents an enlightenment as to the nature of the basic geodesic structural framework of all Collembola and an expression of the fact that evidence of this geodesic epicuticular structure can be seen with an optical microscope using dark field illumination! This certainly is of value to researchers and educators alike who may wish to see this structure or make their students aware of this structure through the use of a traditional optical microscope.

It is as Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet, a rose by any other name is still a rose. Here we have a spectacular impression made by the Collembola's cuticle which is yet the more spectacular when seen at higher magnification by the scanning electron microscope. Whether described as a "basic hexagonal epicuticular pattern," a geodesic array of polygons or a mosaic of thousands of circular crater-like structures, the fact is this geodesic structure can be seen under dark field illumination sufficiently well to acclaim its spectacular nature! Obviously dark field illumination permitted seeing these tiny structures, which may not generally be visible with an optical microscope, just as it does seeing such infinitesimal objects as the spirochete, Treponema pallidum, which causes syphilis. Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 10. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. Like an impressionist's painting, peering through the thick waxy coating upon the cuticle of an early instar Onychiurinae reveals a curious sunflower shape consisting of tiny peddle like cells surrounding a larger central cell. The lateral position relative to the antennae of these structures, (See points X1, X2 and X3 in Figure 8) their darkened center mass and the fact they remain free of wax suggest they have a sensory function. 400X immersed in glycerin/alcohol mixture. Note: This photo was taken at 400X focusing upon the dorsal surface of the cuticle posterior to the antennae. A number of these structures can be seen at various points X1, X2 and X3, etc. in Figure 8. Through variation of the focal length it was obvious these structures were not upon the dorsal surface of the cuticle at this point, but beneath it. Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 11. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. Cosmopolitan species which lives with A. granaria. Rising like two formidable spires this Collembola's anal horns project from the posterior end of its abdomen amid bristling hairs and a base of tiny cuticle cells which cover this Collembola's entire body. A thick layer of wax encrusts the abdomen except where it is cracked revealing tightly knit rows of wax exuding structures which form a bonding surface for the wax. In the foreground, partially digested debris inside this Collembola's gut produces a shadowy darkening of the cuticle surface. 400X dorsal view with dark field illumination. Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 12. Onychiuridae: Onychiurus sp. Protruding from the ventral surface of one of Graham East's Collembola is a dome shaped collophore which probably has the same function in this species of Collembola as it does in other Springtails; i.e., to aid in sticking to surfaces and/or siphoning water. The collophore also presents an excellent structure for viewing the thickness of the cuticle which at T measures only 0.0029 mm. Photo by Terry Lynch.

Figure 13. Supraphorura furcifera in profile. This specimen was found occurring in peat moss shipped with Anurida granaria from New Zealand. It was picked up accidently with Anurida granaria in a drop of water the day after its arrival in the United States. This was a curious find until later I realized how prolific this species was, laying large batches of eggs and breeding in great numbers. At first I thought this specimen was hitching a ride on A. granaria but that does not seem likely given Supraphorura furcifera is much more mobile than A. granaria. To the naked eye this specimen appeared translucent, about half the length of the larger A. granaria. Show here at 50X the specimen is only partially in focus as it stands in profile upon the inner rim of the sliced potato. Initially I wondered if this specimen might be a male, but when I realized it was an Onychiurinae it became appearent it had just been accidently picked up when A. granaria was sucked into an eye dropper. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 14. Frozen in the sparkling glare of a microscope's light, Supraphorura furcifera rests inverted upon a cover glass inside a tiny observation cell made using a slice of potato. Dark field illumination is used to decrease the light intensity to a minimal and increase the contrast between body and appendages. This specimen was observed grooming and cleaning its legs and antennae with its mouth, then expelling a small drop of excrement upon the slide. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 15. Supraphorura furcifera and other cosmopolitan Collembola which live with Anurida granaria are so small, especially in their early instars, that they can easily escape an observation cell if one is not careful to create a film of water or Vasaline (petroleum jelly) between the potato slice and cover slip. Here an early instar Supraphorura furcifera is seen walking with antenna extended in front of its head as it crawls along between the cover slip and potato slice. Over time it is hoped to observe an Anurida granaria glow inside an observation chamber so as to determine what part of its body is bioluminescent. Observation chambers may also be made using small "O" rings which have the advantage of not deteriorating as do those made using potato slices. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 16. Supraphorura furcifera in rest position. Antennae are tucked against head forming an "L" and pointing toward posterior segments as it secretes a drop of excrement which may aid in attaching it firmly in place while it enters a sleep period. Note that this specimen has a double pronged furcula used for jumping and is about half the length of the larger, yet less mobile, Anurida granaria. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 17. Supraphorura furcifera curled over into a tucked position grooming its legs with its mouth. After spending several minutes cleaning itself, this individual went walking about through the observation chamber in which it had been set earlier. While watching, the specimen found an escape route and crawled between the cover slip and potato slice. Its escape was prevented by quickly adding water to form a capillary bridge around the inner cell formed by the potato slice. After getting wet, this specimen excreted a drop of fluid from its anus and went into a rest position. This behavior may be of extreme survival benefit during rainy periods when individuals might otherwise get washed away. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 18. Five Anurida granaria are shown here aggregating. These specimens were placed inside a concave slide covered with glass and observed after several hours in a darkened room. They are shown here gently back lit with cold light piped in from a AA size MagLite flash light using a fiber optics cable. Anurida granaria does not use its light to aggregate but rather only glows when alarmed, as when air is gently blown over specimens or when specimens are disturbed by vibrations. Apparently tactile stimuli is used by Anurida granaria in aggregation and when confined in a small area they remain together in an aggregate once they come in contact with each other. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 19. Orientation with respect to light. Like a tiny gem or diamond, this specimen (probably Supraphorura furcifera) rests motionless upon a microscope slide inside an "O" ring observation chamber. When illuminated from above, the surface of this specimen reflects light obscuring details of hair and segments in the blur which results. However still apparent are antennae curled back "A" indicating a rest or sleep period. Also a pair of dark masses of cells "PR" on the head posterior of antennae are probably photo receptors. Specimens have been observed under the microscope to make a 180 degree turn when a very narrow beam of light is shined so as to illuminate only the head, the rest of the body being in darkness, suggesting negative phototaxis and the ability of this species to detect light and orient accordingly. This preliminary observation certainly warrants repeat but is being reported as it is the first significant indication that individuals may orient away from bright light, which would be expected of a species which normally is found under logs, bricks or other ground cover. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 20. When two specimens, one a large cream colored Anurida granaria and one a smaller Supraphorura furcifera specimen, were placed together and allowed to float upon surface tension created by the liquid holding them up, they inevitably came together with their posterior ends touching. Was this chance or is it possible these Collembola are so configured and designed that when they float upon puddles of water after a rain, their bodies orient so as to enable easy exchange of sperm? This observation was yet more remarkable as the two specimens were expired and so no behavior played a role in this orientation. Should the males and females of similar species orient repeatedly in this fashion when floating upon the surface of water, it may be a strong indication that, should they mate in mass upon water, this is aided by surface tension and their bodies which are so shaped and configured as to result in proper orientation for exchange of sperm when floating upon a film of water. In other words, mass matings may occur upon water because the manner in which males and females float upon the surface is such that surface tension brings them together oriented ready to exchange sperm. Of course this could merely be a chance orientation and be entirely insignificant given these are two different species. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 21. Supraphorura furcifera Clump of eggs collected while rearing Collembola. These eggs were deposited at the substrate surface in a 1/2 pint wide mouth rearing jar of moist peat moss. The stock is being maintained upon a 12/12 light/dark period at 23.9 degrees C (75 degrees F). The fact the eggs are deposited in clumps suggest a methodical process of egg laying which may last a number of hours, with the female depositing one egg right after another. Since a number of clumps of eggs were found upon the surface of the peat moss, probably females came to the surface during the night period and deposited clumps of eggs, then retreated beneath the peat moss surface during the day light period. Thus the number of eggs in each clump may represent those deposited during one night of egg laying or within a 12 hour period. It may also be possible that one or more females may lay eggs in the same elevated, dry location over a period of time such that the size of egg clumps increases over time. Once the eggs hatched the early instars resembled Supraphorura furcifera. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 22. Supraphorura furcifera Eggs split open over time as embryo develop. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Eggs which were clumped upon the surface of a peat moss substrate in rearing jars were collected and placed upon a concave microscope, between a cover slip and slide in a drop of water. Over a period of 48 hours eggs were observed and photographed.

Suspension in water may have contributed to the premature splitting of egg shells as embryo expanded (Top), given other eggs kept in "O" ring observation chambers and probably hardened by exposure to air where not similarly split open at the same time this photograph was made . AT 200X it was possible to distinguish the jerking or flexing of tiny legs identifiable as Collembola legs given the presence of tiny tarsal claws. Also observed were protozoa in the water around the embryo but the presence of these organisms appearently did not effect the development of the embryo.

Magnified 50X a newly emerged I-instar juvenile is shown in center at B. The juvenile was actively walking about inside the concave slide which had an air bubble in the center of the concavity. Additional observations of eggs maintained in "O" ring chambers made using Polyform spacers between the microscope slide and cover glass revealed that the embryo expands to split open the egg shell. The embryo continues to develop and expand unfolding to produce a grub like juvenile. Then the juvenile gradually becomes active exercising its appendages until it if fully formed, its appendages flexible and stout, that the juvenile is finally able to walk and begins its life as a young Collembola.

After the juvenile emerged from its egg one can see embryonic debris C floating in the water and the empty egg shell, here magnified 200X. Although it may appear that the juvenile burst forth from its egg, this emergence was actually a gradual process which involved expansion of the embryo as it developed over time to result in a fully developed juvenile which appeared to unfold and gradually exercise each appendage before becoming fully active and able to walk about.

Given the ease with which these eggs may be collected and observed, this would make this species of Collembola (probably Supraphorura furcifera) useful for educational and/or research purposes. Certainly there is much to be learned from the study of embryo and this is certainly a challenge for future students and researchers.

Figure 23. Supraphorura furcifera Embryonic juvenile becoming active. Newly emerging juveniles N1-N5 have split open egg shells and appear grub like at 50X before they begin flexing and exercising their appendages. These I-instar juveniles emerged from eggs in an "O" ring chamber made using a Polyform spacer, microscope slide, cover glass and moist tissue paper. Tissue fibers are seen in the background and provide a surface for the eggs to incubate upon, their capillary action drawing distilled water into the chamber that the juveniles will have water when they become fully active. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 24. Supraphorura furcifera Size of specimens soon after emerging from eggs. Several hours after emerging from eggs these specimens measured 0.28 mm from head to the tip of their abdomens and seemed to be fairly consistent in length. Specimens were actively observed walking about as if searching for food. The action of the mouth apparently sucking could be seen through the clear heads. Specimens could also be seen depositing small droplets of fluid from their anus as they apparently fed upon tiny bits of debris. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 25. Supraphorura furcifera After some 12-18 hours from emerging from eggs, I-instar juvenile measured 0.30 mm and appears bright white in this dark field illumination photograph. Because early instars do not yet appear covered with a thick layer of wax they may be used to observe internal organs to some degree, especially if mounted. This specimen was photographed while alive walking about in the concavity of a microscope slide. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 26. Supraphorura furcifera on peat moss. Supraphorura furcifera pauses for a moment in a crevice of moist peat moss, remaining motionless just long enough to snap a few pictures; then, it disappeared from view, crawling back down into the peat moss away from the bright light and peering camera lens. The Petri dish in which these eggs were deposited had been wrapped in Saran wrap after adding baker's yeast. Hundreds of Supraphorura furcifera were observed frozen motionless upon the surface of the peat moss due to carbon dioxide accumulation. When fresh air was added by opening the Petri dish, Supraphorura furcifera soon became active and scurried beneath the peat moss as if to avoid the bright light. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

Figure 27. Supraphorura furcifera eggs on peat moss. Supraphorura furcifera eggs are laid like tiny pearls upon moist peat moss which glitters in the background. Photo (c) 2001 by Terry Lynch.

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