Some data concerning the presence and behaviour of springtails (Collembola) on grass and white clover

Abstract

No proof was found that Collembola prefer white clover to grass in sandy soils of leys and grasslands. The same springtail species can be found on both. However, in greenhouses they definitely preferred the white clover. Here,Folsomia quadrioculata especially, and during the summer monthsSminthurinus trinotatus, were found. In winter,Onychiurus bicampatus or a related species was also identified.Folsomia quadrioculata is able to feed on white clover roots. In doing so, invasion spots are prepared for weakly parasitic soil fungi. Addition of these fungi to the soil, however, did not result in an infestation of the roots followed by death and disappearance of the white clover, forFolsomia then preferred to feed on the fungi rather than on the roots.