Insects of Southern Australian Broadacre Farming Systems - Grains ...
Insects of Southern Australian Broadacre Farming Systems - Grains ...
Insects of Southern Australian Broadacre Farming Systems - Grains ...
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SPRINGTAILS (Class Collembola)<br />
Collembola: Sminthuridae<br />
Lucerne flea (Sminthurus viridis)<br />
Distinguishing characteristics/description<br />
adult<br />
10 mm<br />
20<br />
30<br />
Colour variations -<br />
light yellow brownishgreen<br />
with irregular<br />
darker patches<br />
Segmented<br />
antennae<br />
Globular shape -<br />
s<strong>of</strong>t bodied<br />
The lucerne flea is a collembolan (springtail), included in<br />
a group <strong>of</strong> arthropods that have six or fewer abdominal<br />
segments and possess a tubular appendage. In sheer<br />
numbers, Collembola are one <strong>of</strong> the most abundant <strong>of</strong><br />
all macroscopic animals.<br />
Jumping structure<br />
(furcula) normally<br />
tucked under body<br />
(rear end)<br />
Damage symptom:<br />
transparent windowing <strong>of</strong><br />
leaves (originating from<br />
the underside)<br />
Newly hatched<br />
nymphs (about 0.75 mm<br />
long) are pale yellow in<br />
colour<br />
They are frequently found in leaf litter and other decaying<br />
material, where they are primarily detritivores. Only a<br />
few species, including the lucerne flea, are regarded as<br />
crop pests around the world.<br />
SECTION 4 COMMON Pest, Beneficial AND EXOTIC Species<br />
63<br />
<strong>Insects</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Southern</strong> <strong>Australian</strong> <strong>Broadacre</strong> <strong>Farming</strong> <strong>Systems</strong> Identification Manual and Education Resource © 2012
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