A guide created by Sage Osterling.
for inquiries contact: sageosterling@gmail.com
This is a simple guide to the mesofauna (animals that live in the soil) of the Pacific Coast of North America (mainly centered on the Pacific Northwest) designed for the casual citizen scientist. I hope that this will be helpful in identification of several species across the Pacific Northwest, and that it sparks new interest. Use Ctrl F for browsing between different types of mesofauna because this is a long list of a site.
Note: the original site was made on my school account but since it is taken down with my school email, I now am using this as my main site.
Springtails (Collembola)
These small bugs are decomposers that live within the soil and on decaying plant matter. They are commonly found under leaflitter, on/under logs, or just in the soil matrix. some specialized species will also eat living plants.
Globular Springtails (Order Symphypleona)
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 delongi or the Western Late Ptenothrix is a species of springtail in the genus Ptenothrix characterized by its broken up istinct brown polygonal patterns on a yellow background color. In the summer it is lighter in coloration. It is generally 1.5-2 mm large.
Ptenothrix beta or the Western Early Ptenothrix is a species of springtail in the genus Ptenothrix characterized by its white and brown sideburns, and "Saudi Arabia pattern". It also has extremely broken up light brown polygonal patterns.
Ptenothrix californica or the Western Sand Ptenothrix is a species of springtail in the genus Ptenothrix characterized by its ornate sidebands, that join at the middle, and small white to yellow dots on the shoulders. It is found on the beaches of the arctic Pacific Northwest, but starts getting inland around California. (Photo taken by Pete Lypkie and used with his permission)
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.
Notes: This species was previously mistaken for literally every other springtail in the west coast. Notably Ptenothrix beta and Ptenothrix delongi. they obviously look nothing alike, so how did such a misshap happen? Basically, springtail taxonomist Frans Janssens, the founder of collembola.org, was going off side views and visual identification. Eventually in 2024, a group of citizen scientists decided to stick a group of springtails that Frans was calling "Undescribed Ptenothrix" under a microscope, then use a key (a microscopic guide to what to look for in different species) and found out that a matter a fact, what was being put under the "Undescribed" lable keyed out perfectly to Ptenothrix maculosa! After this was realized, other springtails that had been called "maculosa" in the past were discovered to be p.delongi, p.californica, and p.beta.
Pete writes a very good WordPress blog article on the process of keying these species: here
Vesicephalus occidentalis is a uncommon, but very colorful and variable springtail in the genus Vesicephalus, found in the arctic 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 Picific 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.
Notes: there are no Katianna in the west coast that have been formally described, and therefore are not directly included in this guide, but are worth mentioning. from B.C to California a bicolor form of Katianna (the one pictured) resides. Another species is found in California and potentially the states nearby, which is brown in coloration.
The brown species is pictured: here
a canadian example of the pictured springtail can be found: here
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.
Notes: Katiannina in north America is comprised of two yet to be described species, and two described species. there is fortunately only one species on the west coast known as Katiannina species 1, which leads to less complication.
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 elegans or the Changing Color Sminthurinus is a introduced species of Sminthurinus from Europe found across the entire west coast. characterized by its yellow antenna and fishbone pattern down the middle, and yellow and black sideburns.
Sminthurinus quadrimaculatus or the Variable Spotted Sminthurinus is a black to blue colored springtail, which in many cases has two white spots on the side. In north America it is the one species on the west coast with this feature.
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
Dicyrtoma fusca 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".
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.
Dicyrtomina ornata or the Ornate Dicyrtomina is a species of springtail in the genus Dicyrtomina found in North America and Europe with distinct reddish ornate "sword" or "mosaic" patterning on the dorsal. It does not have brown sideburns like Dicyrtomina saundersi. its dorsal "spots" are outlined.
Dicyrtomina saundersi or Saunder's Ornate Dicyrtomina is a species of springtail in the genus Dicyrtomina found in North America and Europe. It has brown sideburns and a "space invaders" pattern. It does not have outlined eyespots.
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.
Notes: The first real example in Canada of the red color form, with commentary can be found on GBIF where it has been confirmed.
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.
Bourletiella hortensis or the Brown Garden Springtail is a springtail in the genus Bourletiella found in gravel of driveways and trails or on grass. It is brown in coloration, with purple antenna, and segmented legs. The shoulders are distinctly white patterned. There is a "angelic cross" pattern on the area near athe head.
Bourletiella arvalis or the Variable Garden Springtail is a springtail in the genus Bourletiella that is characterized by yellow coloration, red wax secreaters, distinctly segmented antenna, and lighter yellow shoulders. There is a white cross near the head. It is found in lawns across the Picific Northwest.
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.
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.
Elongate Springtails (Order Entomobryomorpha)
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 unostrigata or the Cotton Springtail is a springtail in the genus Entomobrya found in Europe and North America. This species is characerized by being very fuzzy, and having a dark dorsal stripe, down a light brown body.
Entomobrya clitellaria is the only black and white banded species of Entomobrya that occurs in western North America. It also has extremely hairy antenna and distinct segmentation on the abdomen.
This species of Entomobrya is found in city forests, on plants or in soil. It is characterized by having stripes towards the top of the abdomen, wavy lines towards the back, and black sideburns towards the butt.
Entomobrya katzi is a species of springtail in the genus Entomobrya endemic to western North America. It is found by shaking brush. It has a u pattern, and a dorsal line that breaks at the butt, which has an "arrowhead" outline. Its legs are distinctly hairy on the second segment of each.
Entomobrya multifasciata is a species of springtail in the genus Entomobrya found under logs, and resting on plants. this species is more hairy than some of the other Entomobrya and has a broken up upside down V pattern down the abdomen and 3 lines towards the head. the antenna are also hairy.
Entomobrya triangularis is a species of springtail found in Western North America in the soil, on top of logs and resting on plants. its is hairy across the back and the antenna. It has a stripe pattern towards the head, then three triangle patterns at the butt. this species is smaller than the other species of Entomobrya. this species has less hairy antenna than that of many other Entomobrya species.
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.
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.
Orchesella villosa or the Shaggy Springtail is a springtail with U shaped stripes, heavy segmentation and a long dorsal line. It is one of the hairyest springtails in our area, with long, villous hairs across its back. It is orange in overall coloration and has striped antenna. This species is quite large, about the size of an almond.
Orchesella cincta or the Black Segmented Springtail is a heavily segmented black and brown springtail. It is covered in villous hairs. It is striped brown, and has leg hairs on each third segment. The antenna are white with black stripes. This species is quite large, about the size of an almond.
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 is a large genus of similar looking, and hard to identify springtails. the genus itself is extremely distinct. Some springtails are covered in purple, blue and lightly colored silver scales, that refract light. these species are generally very tiny but there are some exceptions. the identification of the group to genus on the west coast relies on good, clear, images of the hairs around the mouth of these springtails, which requires a high resolution microscope.
Heteromurus is another hard to identify genus that is generally a little larger than a Lepidocyrtus but smaller than a Tomocerus. It is generally silver in coloration, and has a small segment at the base of the antenna. identification to species requires microscopy of the jumping organ and antennal hairs.
Tomocerus is the largest of this group. It is up to the size of a medium slug. It has a dark grey bullet shaped abdomen and three segmented antenna, with the last segment being the longest. To identify these to species you need microscopy of the hairs inbetween the jumping organ and the hairs of the antenna, especially the final segment.
the hairs in between the jumpinig organ in Tomocerus minor
the hairs on the antenna in the case of Tomocerus minor
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.
There are two main very similar species groups: Isotomurus and Isotoma, which are not well studied by any means and need microscopy to get to species. These springtails are best left to the experts to identify.
Isotomurus or the Maculate Springtails are the most common genus by far in western North America. they are characterized by having small hairs all across the abdomen and five segmented antenna. they are usually hairy towwards the butt. The antenna have microsopic hairs that you can kind of see from above, but really need a microscope to view. the antennae are purple in coloration generally.
Isotoma also known (unhelpfully) as Waterfall Springtails is rarer than most of the others, and is characterized by having deep sunken segments, and similar 5 segmented antenna. They look almost identical to Isotomurus so microscopy is a must for these as well.
Vertagopus is a genus of springtails that are generally very hairy. the hairs are usually layed back. many Vertagopus species are a distinct dark violet. They also have a distinct "boxy" head. getting these to species requires microscopy.
Folsomia is a genus of springtails that are white to whiteish yellow, with distinct clear scaled bodies, with many segments. five antenna segments per springtail exist and each segment of the springtail has their own little hairs on the site. Microscopy is needed to get to species.
Plump Springtails (Poduromorpha)
this group is another very hard to identify group. you need to be able to see they eyes, which are needed to be counted, and how hairy the springtails are overall. that can get to genus. in order to get to species you generally need to stick these guys under a microscope and pray that the solution you use didn't dissolve them. they are extremely soft and have almost no exoskeleton. I generally recommend a chorline solution for Poduromorpha microscopy. The antennae of these springtails are extremely distinctly round.
Xenylla is a genus of very slender plump springtail found on wet wood in the west coast. they are identified by having 5 + 5 eyes, or 10 in all, 5 on both sides. they are generally blue and have very short hairs.
Ceratophysella or the Hairy Springtails are a genus of small, pudgy, plump springtails, found under leaflitter and dead wood. they are generally identified by their overall extremely hairy body, and square eyes.
Pseudachorutinae is a subfamily related to Neanura ssp. they are generally very small, and live in colonys. they have distinct lined indents in their abdomens and extremely hard to see eyes.
Onychiurinae or the Ghost Springtails are a subfamily of pure white springtails found under wet wood. they have extremely segmented abdomens, with a double white stripe pattern on the back, and close to no eyes. the antenna are distinctly segmented in the way only Poduromorpha family springtails are segmented.
Sensillanura or the Lemon Springtails is a genus that is found on the coast, near beach areas, and in California. it is bright yellow minus the antenna, even when fully grown. even the eyes are yellow, but you can still see them. its is extremely hairy towards the sides, and white to blue in the antenna.
Note: the picture is at least closely related to Sensillanura, but some iNaturalist people are skeptical.
Morulina or the Pygmy Hairy Springtails are a genus that is found under leaflitter. it is characterized by a hairy body, and extremely small size. it also has "raccoon eyes" that are a little triangular. they have a dorsal line and a yellow underside.
Hypogastrura is a genus of slender blue springtails that are found on submerged wood and in coniferous trees. they are distinctly segmented and pea shaped.
Neanura is a genus of blue springtails that are found under wet logs. they are generally blue, and extremely segmented and hump backed. they are generally hairy.
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.
Mites (Acariformes,Parasitiformes)
Mites are super hard to identify, even for experts. They are mostly left at family, with a rare few reaching genus. they are broken into two main groups. the Acariformes are the most common, and the Parasitiformes being less common.
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.
Eupodidae or the False Spider Mites is a family of mites characterized by being small, soft, hairy at the legs, and pill shaped in body. the eyes are generally white, and the patterns are generally ornate. They are found under rotting wood. the mouthparts are distinctly short uniform.
Ereynetidae or the Dwarf False Spider Mites, is a family of mites that are found under rotting wood. They are significantly smaller than Eupodidae, and have shorter legs, and mouth parts that are joined together. these mites are generally more plump, and the front legs are not as long as some other species in Prostigmata. this species has the sharpest mouthparts of the Prostigmata in the northwest.
Tetranychidae or the True Spider Mites, is a family of mites that are found underneath the leaves of plants. they are generally oval shaped in their bodies, and have prominent front legs, clear eyes, and a clear lack of visible hairs. their mouths are more rounded at the end than most other groups of Prostigmata.
Tanaupodidae or the Box Mites is a family of Velvet mites found under wood. It is red in coloration, with ridges that look like segmentation ,that are actually joined together. this group has distinctly box shaped abdomens.
Bdellidae or the Snout mites, is a distinct family of mites found under wood, and just wandering around the soil. They are generally reddish to brownish in coloration with intresting mottled patterns. The main defining characteristic of these mites is a big red long snout.
Acaridae or the Stored Product Mites, are distinctive mites that are hard to mistake for anything else. they look like white beetle mites, with hairy backs. they also have hairs all along their legs. they are distinguished from beetle mites because they have a joined mouth to the body, that is not broken up into parts.
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.
Euptyctima is a group of beetle mites that are characterized by being made up a head, a body, and eight legs that are curved downwards. they have very small mouth parts and a prominant head.
Hypochthoniidae is a group of beetle mites being charcaterized by having a two piece abdomen, a distinct snout, and 2 head hairs. they are found under wet logs.
Liacaridae is a group of beetle mites characterized by their near completely black coloration they are distinctly segmented in the legs, and have distinctive stubby front legs.
Rove Beetles (Staphylinidae)
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.
Notes: this species has also been found in California, which have much brighter patterning.
For an example of a California coloration: See this bugguide record
Other Beetles
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 or the Burrower 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. the back generally has hairs in some instances.
Clamoris americana or the American Dwarf Darkling Beetle is a beetle found in North America. It burrows in wood and lives in groups. this species is black in coloration with a peppered textured shell. the antenna are small, short, feathery and brownish. this beetle has a 3 sectioned abdomen, with the head being the shortest segment.
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.
Eleodes scabrosa or the Pacific Desert Beetle is a desert beetle found beaches in Washington, Canada,and Oregon. it ranges inland in California. It is endemic to the west coast. This species is black in coloration, with a reticulated texture on the back. It has a little ridge on the edge of the abdomen.
Millipedes (Diplopoda)
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.
Scytonotus is a similar species to Polydesmus with some extremely important distinctions. first, the plates at the side of each segment of the millipede are extremely hairy, second is that this genus is generally light pink, and last is that the ridges are rounded an sunken.
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.
Leaf Bugs
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.