Ptenothrix is a genus of springtail found across the entire Pacific Northwest Coast. The genus is characterized by having a hairy shoulders, and spikey antenna. The "P" in Ptenothrix is silent, and it is pronounced Ten-Oh-Thrix.

Ptenothrix maculosa or the Pacific Ornate Ptenothrix is a distinct, extremely variable springtail in the genus Ptenothrix found on the west coast. It is characterized by a double sword pattern, purple sides spots, sometimes a "Eiffel tower pattern" and/or a dark patch on the butt, which is always extremely hairy.  It can also have small orange dots that form a pattern that looks much like a face. the antenna have the most spikes of the west coast Ptenothrix species. This species can also be purpleish in coloration.

Also called the Fishbone Ptenothrix. An undescribed springtail found from the coasts of Oregon to Alaska. It is characterised by a fishbone pattern down the abdomen, and black sideburns, with a yellowish colored abdomen. The antenna are not spikey as other Ptenothrix species, which is distinct to this species. Microscopically the end of the antenna is distinct in being broken up, and there being close to no hairs on it. It also has distinct yellow banding on its antenna, and a white colored neck. It has a spotty distribution inland.

The author took some microscopic photos of sp.6 and posted them: here

 Also known as the Spaceman Ptenothrix. An undescribed species of Ptenothrix that has a yellowish body with a greenish black "jet pack" pattern made up of polygons and rectangles. It is found in forests on and under sword fern leaves from B.C to Oregon. The antenne of this species are bristly on the ends, but not extremely. It has two blue eyespots on the sideburns.

The California Marmoted Springtail. this is an undescribed springtail found exclusively in California. It looks like the east coast P.marmota visually but is different in many ways as well. First, the pattern in the middle resembles the P. delongi carrot, which marmota does not have. Second, the neck of this species is white like the Fishbone Ptenothrix, which is distinct. This species also has a matte shine to it, antenna with no real bristles, and orange dorsal spots.

An example can be found: here

(Image created by Hawkparty and used with their permission)

The California Late Ptenothrix is an undescribed species found exclusively in California. It resembles P. delongi, but has a more rounded pattern, and broken up butt patches. This species also has semi bristly antenna and notable brown sideburns, with yellow side spots. The legs were notably hairy compared to other Ptenothrix species.

An example can be found: here

(Image created by Hawkparty and used with their permission)

A species of springtail yet to be described found in California. It is characterized by being quite distinctly orange, with yellow patches on the sides. a faint cross is sometimes seen towards the top of the abdomen. The antenna are distinctly bristly. The antenna are distinctly less long than that of other Ptenothrix species.

(Photo taken by Hawkparty and used with their permission)

A very similar species of springtail yet to be described found in california. It is very purple and shiny. it has spots near the back, and hairs on the back forming a ray. I am unsure if this species is close to or the same as Ptenothrix nr. concolor because the features of both are strikingly similar. the differences I have seen are that the legs of this species are striped brown and purple and the antenna are longer than nr. concolor. Microscopy is needed for these species, and as a mesofauna enthusiast centered in Washington state, these do not occur further up, so I cannot perform proper microscopy. 

(Photo is used with Hawkparty's permission)

Vesicephalus occidentalis is a uncommon, but very colorful and variable springtail in the genus Vesicephalus, found in the Pacific Northwest. It is characterized by a cross down the top of the abdomen, villous hairs all over the abdomen, and yellow, white, black and/or red patches. it is the only species in the genus Vesicephalus found in the Picific Northwest.

Katianna is a genus of springtails found extremely rarely in leaf litter, or the beaches of the pacific Coast. It is also found inland in California. There are two species found in the Picific Northwest, and both are Undiscribed. the brownish colored one found in California and the bicolor yellow, blue,black, and/or pink tinged species found across the northwest. This genus is characterized by being extremely hairy, and about the size of a extremely small pebble.   

Katiannina is a genus of springtails found extremely rarely on the bottoms of salal or salmonberry leaves in the forests of Washington, British Columbia, and Oregon. It is characterized by being the size of a grain of sand, and having a brown and black camo pattern on the abdomen. The area around the eyes is whiteish, creating a "raccoon eyes" effect on the red colored eyes.

This undescribed species is considered the classic west coast katiannina, with dark brown camo print patterning, on a black background, red eyes, and bristly antenna. It is found in forests in Canada, Washington and Oregon, excluding the east sides of the states and Seattle areas.

Sminthurinus is a genus of springtail found worldwide. It is characterized by being the size of a sand grain, being  hairy around the butt, and having lightly pronged 3 segmented antenna. There is a currently unknown species in the west coast that was mistaken for S. henshawi pictured.

Sminthurinus maculosus is a very similar species to Sminthurinus elegans found in California and Oregon. it is supposed to one superficially identical to elegans, except the antenna is microscopically more complex with more spines. there have been no real records so far of this species confirmed.

for more information see: this site with the original description

This is potentially a complex of species as there is extreme variation beween individuals.

Dicyrtoma fusca or the Dusky Springtail is the only species of Dicyrtoma found in the Seattle/B.C. area. It is a introduction from Europe that has also spread to Canada. It is characterized by its red coloration, and main dorsal line. the antenna are four segmented , spiky and tilted downward. the pattern is extremely variable. It has a distinct dorsal "cross".

Notes: Frans does a really interesting commentary on the white feet of this species when he identified the first occurrence in Washington state.

A species of undescribed Dicyrtoma. It resembles Dicyrtoma hageni in the fact that the sides are banded, and there is a white background. It differs in the large black cross down the abdomen and, that the sideburns are much darker black. It also has black coloration that sometimes spills into the abdominal area coloring the springtail dark purple. It is found in Canada and has also been found potentially in Oregon. It has a white dot on its shoulders near the head.

The one found in oregon can be accessed: here

A canadian example with microscopy can be found: here

(The photo here is used with permission from Pete Lypkie)

Dicyrtomina is a genus of springtails found under and on top of decomposing matter. It is generally less hairy than other springtail genre and usually has colorful ornate patterns on the abdomen. it is pronounced dice-toe-mee-nah.

Deuterosminthurus russatus or the Western Rust Toned False Bourletiella is a species of springtail in the genus Deuterosminthurus endemic to Western North America. It is characterized by its "bullet" shaped body, and yellow to red coloration. It is the only Deuterosminthurus found from Canada to California. some individuals have reddish undertones, while others, found in Canada have come up to be completely red.

Pseudobourletiella spinata is a springtail in the genus Pseudobourletiella found in North America and Europe. It has been introduced to Asia. It is found in the summer resting on the water of ponds. It is characterized by a shiny brown, purple, blue, or green overall color, with a white dorsal stripe. There are fine hairs down the abdomen and on the bottom half of the mouth. the antenna are spikey.

Bourletiella is a genus of springtails found in the Western United States and Europe. It is characterized by purple antenna, a white cross pattern on the neck, two distinctly colored wax excluders, and very small dense hairs towards the back of the springtail.

Prorastriopes is a species of springtail found at the very  dry areas of California and British Columbia. These springtails haven't been found in Washington or Oregon as of January of 2026. They are generally white and brown checkered, and look like Bourletiella except, with riticulate eyes, and striping down the abdomen in many cases. It usually is shaken from sagebrush and bunchgrass.

(photo copyright is held by Pete Lypkie and used with his permission.)

Fasciosminthurus quinquefasciatus or the Zebra Springtail   is a species of springtail in the genus Fasciosminthurus introduced to the United States from Europe. It lives in gravel, sidewalk cracks, and even driveways. It is characterized by having zebra patterning, and is the only springtail in its genus with that pattern in western North America. It is common in the summer but is hard to see due to its camouflage. 

Sphyrotheca is a genus of springtails found in California. It looks like a member of Katianna but is suprisingly more closely related to the unrelated Smithnurius genus. It is characterized by having almost microscopic hairs on the antenna, a extremely small stature, red slivers towards the back, and strange eyes, with "whites".

(Photo was taken by Hawkparty and used with his permission)

Sminthurides is a genus of springtails found in puddles worldwide. they are generally characterized as the second smallest genre of springtail, being about the size of a sand grain. they also have distinct spikey antenna, with males looking like they have "bike handlebars" on their heads.

Sminthurides malmgreni or the Common Sminthurides is a extremely small springtail in the genus Sminthurides. It is characterized by having a purple dot on the back, and purple sideburns, but a yellow background. some individuals can be completely purple. the gender difference is extremely apparent within this species, with females not having bike antenna, and males having extremely smaller stature and striking bike shaped antennae.

Stenacidia violacea or the Violet False Sminthurides  is a species of springtail found in the west coast and Europe.  It is likely an introduction. It is characterized by twisted, heavily segmented, antenna in males, and purple and orange coloration. They almost all have a purple dorsal line. Some individuals are darker than others. some specimens have two white dots on the dorsal area near the shoulders.

Sphaeridia pumilis or the Rainbow Springtail is a springtail that comes in many colors. It is found all across North America and Europe. It can be yellow, red, orange, or hot pink. It has distinct bristly antenna, that tilt downwards. These springtails are also characterized by hairs towards the butt, and magenta colored, extremely segmented antenna.

Arrhopalitidae  is a family of springtails that needs microscopy to be placed into genus. In order to do this you need to be able to count the eyes of the springtail and the antennal segments. Overall this group is characterized by marbled reddish coloration on a white background, and long antenna. the eyes are generally red in coloration.

 Pygmarrhopalites or the Mabled Springtails is a genus of springtail found under wood and leaflitter found most often in British Columbia. this genus is characterized by having a distinct marbled pattern, 4 eyes total, which are reddish, and spiky antenna. 

 Neelidae is a family of springtails that look like little plump cave dwellers. they have small antenna, and red or white eyes. they are generally identified using the same microscopic characteristics as Arrhopalitidae. They can also be mottled. The difference is that Neelidae is small as or smaller than a grain of sand, and extremely ball like.

Entomobrya is a genus of springtails found worldwide. It is characterized by being yellowish to black in coloration, and being hairy near the back and on the shoulders.

Entomobrya confusa or the Variable Entomobrya  is a springtail in the genus Entomobrya endemic to North America. It is found under logs. It looks like a large version of a juvenile Entomobrya, but is much more hairy, much larger, and villous across its entire body. It generally has 3 stripes towards the head.

Entomobrya atrocincta or the Bicolor Springtail is a species of springtail found in California and Oregon. The males are vivid orange with stripes, and females are plain tan with a set of U stripes.

Photos are taken by Hawkparty and used with their permission.

Drepanura californica or the California False Entomobrya is a springtail found in California. It is found mostly inland. It has hairy 4 segmented antenna, a creased indented two part "oval" stripe pattern, and side "zig zags" towards the end. this species always has a clear eye line on the side of the head. It is only found in the middle half of California, and does not stray outside of its small range.

For a photographic example see: This iNaturalist observation

Willowsia buski or the Silver False Entomobrya is a springtail in the genus Willowsia foudnn North america introduced from Europe. this species looks like a silver version of Entomobrya with a heavily striped and segmented, densely hairy abdomen.

Orchesella is a group of springtails introduced to the western united states from europe. There are a few native species on the east coast, but they do not go into the west and therefore are not important to identification in the west coast. these springtails look like large, shiny, heavily segmented, and villously hairy, versions of Entomobrya. They are different though nonetheless. there are two species in our region and both are introduced from Europe.

Tomoceridae is the final group of elongate springtails found on the west coast. it is a group that usually requires microscopy to identify. The group as a whole is characterized by having bullet shaped, metallic colored bodies, covered in scales.

Lepidocyrtus fimicolus has been seen in California and is likely the only visually identifiable Lepidocyrtus in the west coast. it is blue and gold striped, and is the only species that has said pattern. the antenna are dark purple with a stripe.

An example is shown: here

(Image taken by Hawkparty and used with their permission)

the Isotomidae is a family of incredibly hard to differentiate springtails.  As citizen scientist Grant Wang said in frustration on the iNaturalist discord server- "Isotomids are hell." 

This family is very distinct in its overall body shape and deep segmentation, as well as its drab coloration. the main two ganrae are Isotomurus and Isotoma, both which are identified by back hairs and antennal segments. 

Desoria hoodensis is a springtail in the genus Desoria. It is endemic to the west coast, and is found near the coastal areas of the west. It is distinguished by having a distinct plate at the back of the dorsal area, that the similar Isotomurus does not have. It also has hairs along the sides of its abdomen and shoulder patches near where the neck connects.

For an example with microscopy look: here

Pseudisotoma sensibilis is a springtail found in western north america. It resembles Isotoma but has a brown dorsal stripe and sideburns with an underlying yellowish tint. The side is distinctly hairy and brown in coloration. 

An example is shown: Here

Neanura muscorum or the Moss Springtail is a springtail found in wet areas in forested areas. especially in wet moss and under wet wood. It is blue in coloration and extremely hairy. it is the largest of the west coast plump springtails, being about a millimeter in size.

These mites have eight legs and one body segment, even though their mothparts look like seperate segments. Beetle mites, Sumo Mites, and Spider Mites fall under this umbrella.

 Linopodes is the most distinct genus in the Acariformes. it is characterized by its small oval body, very bright to drab colors, and large white eyes. Its most prominant feature is that its long white legs are twice the size of its body. These need to be stuck under a microscope to identify with many undescribed species in the mix. For the non scientist it is best to leave these colorful mites at genus.

 Prostigmata is an extremely small sized, very large sized suborder of mites. In our area it is broken up into Bdellidae, Eupodidae, Ereynetidae, Erythracaridae, Tydeidae and finally Tetranychidae.

Erythracaridae is a family of mites found in north America and Europe characterized by its distinct hairy legs, and banding. it also has distinct ornate patterning, centered usually around the eyes. these mites are generally very flat. 

Erythracarus or the Crazy Mites are a genus of mites found under logs. it is red in coloration, and looks like a small ornate mite. The legs are uniformly covered in sideways hairs, and they are striped. the mite is entirely joined together.

Anystis or the Whirligig Mites is a genus of predatory mites that lives under leaves in the summer months. They are generally shaped like a square pea, with hairy legs, suggestive of the Erythracaridae. they are generally red in coloration, and have small hairy mouthparts. 

Parasitiformes are multi segmented mites, with multi segmented mouth pieces. They are generally parisitic. this group includes mesostigs and ticks as its most notable members. some Parasitiformes mimic beetle mites, but can be identified by their mouth parts.

the closest you can get past family for Parasitiforme mites in the west coast without a microscope is generally to Subfamily Pergamasinae. It is characterized by a two segmented abdomen, with reddish coloration, and 2 mouth pieces. they are generally hairy, especially around the legs.

Oribatida or the beetle mites is one of the most common ganre of mites in North America. they are characterized by their shelled bodies, and multi segmented mouth parts, on 8 legs. 

Deinopteroloma subcostatum or the Pacific golden rove Beetle is a beetle in the genus Deinopteroloma found under rotting wood and dead leaves in the pacific Northwest. It is characterized by its unique gold and brown pattern, sectioned tail, and feathery antenna. its front carapace is generally smoother than other Deinopteroloma species. It is endemic to the west coast.

Stenus impressus is the only black species of Stenus in the west coast. it is introduced from Europe and characterized by feathery antenna, large eyes, and a distinct reticulated abdomen texture. it also has reddish, segmented legs.

Stenus sculptilis is very similar to Stenus impressus but is different in two major areas. first, the top abomen carapase is a lot more outward and sharp than impressus. second, there is incomplete gold banding on the abdomen going down to the tail. Stenus sculptilis is a rare west coast endemic species, and should be viewed with care.

Sericoderus lateralis or the Large Feather Bug is a species of beetle from Europe now living in the united states. it is an extremely small beetle, being only about 1/2 mm in size. It is characterized by its oval abdomen, with a headpiece, connected to the face, and small feathery antenna. there is a clear long "butt" of the beetle.

Ptinella or the Dwarf Feather Bug genus is esentially the smallest beetle in our region. it is less than half a millimeter in size and characterized by its bullet shaped abdomen, with a break off at the head, which is furtherrroke nup at the mouth. the beetle has a clear beetle "Butt" at the end. therreis a dosrsalline that makes up its "wings".

Chaetocnema hortensis or the Metallic Grass Beetle is a dark green, metallic colored beetle, with a downwards face, and feathery, segmented antenna. It is found in grassy areas. It has a three segmented body, and are distinctly inflated towards the top of the front and back legs. this species is likely introduced from Europe.

Trechus obtusus is an introduced beetle that lives in the soil. it is black in coloration, with pincer mouthparts, that are reddish brown in coloration, as well as a segmented abdomen with a "neck". the head of the beetle looks like the eyes are connected to the actual head. the back of the beetle is lined and heavily textured.

Cartodere bifasciata is a gold colored beetle with a reticulated  abdomen, with a black pattern.  it is generally found in lawns. the antenna are feathery and the neck piece has fringes.

Tingupa or the American Sausage Millipedes is a genus of millipedes found in the west coast. It is a genus exclusively found in north America, and hard to differentiate due to similarities between species. the main distinguishing characteristics to identify Tingupa is a magenta and brown overall coloration, and heavily plated segments, on an extremely little spaced abdomen. the antenna tilt downwards and have microscopic hairs. each segment is ridged at the side.

Polyxenus or the Bristle Millipedes are a genus of millipedes found across north America and Europe. they are quite unique, due to being a small size, and extremely hairy and bristly. the tail looks like a feather, which is the main distingisher other than the bristles form other millipedes.

 Polydesmus is a genus of millipedes found in north america and Europe, with many introductions. This is a diverse and hard to identify genus and therefore for the beginner or less skilled mesofauna hunter, distinguishing features would be best to find before specifics, as this genus is literally everywhere. the chacracteristics of  Polydesmus are small hairs on the edge of the head, segments with ends turning downwards at the ridges, and an arrow shaped last segment.

Nearctodesmus or the Pacific Cherry Millipedes is a genus of millipedes found in the Western United States. It is a genus characterized by its bright colors, and distinct side scales. the antenna generally hairy and large.

Nearctodesmus insulanus is a critically endangered speces of millipede of pink coloration found exclusively in Washington and Oregon. it is identified by its distinct antennal hairs with 4 segementsand faint hairs. the abdomen has charactoristic side teeth on each segment, and raised  bumps. there is generally a stripe through the middle of the abdomen.

Urochordeuma bumpusi is a millipede that is endemic to Washington state. It is not very common over all or may be underreocrded. it is characterised by small antenna, and a smooth head, but a hard, plated, multi segmented back much like Nearctodesmus. it is rare and should be put back when it is found. it is not red listed even though it has a smaller range than that of Nearctodesmus insulanus. it also has distinct plates coming down from its ridges and head hairs near the eyes.

Ozophora occidentalis is a dirt colored seed bug found under rotting wood endemic to western North America. this species is characterized by its distinct downward pronged, 5 segmented, antenna, and its distinctly sectioned out dorsal area. it is brown and dark brown, with ornate patterns on the inner wings.