![]() The analysis of the midgut content reveals the presence of bacteria and fungi, which in themselves are an important part of springtail feeding. The latter take shape in the rectum after the water contained at the exit of the midgut has been absorbed by the cells of the posterior intestine. Some species of springtails such as Pogonognathellus flavescens secrete cellulase which is an enzyme capable of digesting cellulose which also allows them to play an essential role in the transformation of organic matter into humus through their droppings which take place under form small fecal balls. The anterior part (blue) has a pH8 which places it in a slightly alkaline value (comparable to the pH of the sea water). The pH measured in the central and posterior area of ?the intestine (red) is close to pH6, which corresponds to a slightly acidic medium (uncommon with human gastric juice, which with a pH2 is 10,000 times more acidic). The level of acidity (pH) that reigns in the intestinal pocket is maintained at an optimal value to allow these enzymes to fulfill their role. The interior of the midgut is lined with digestive cells that secrete enzymes capable of absorbing the products of digestion. The contractions of this muscular network make it possible to knead the food and to evacuate it to the posterior intestine whose junction with the middle intestine (pyloric zone) is endowed with a sphincter. the latter is presented as a large pocket surrounded by a network of muscles arranged in a circular and longitudinal manner. The anterior intestine begins after the pharynx and is prolonged by a gullet that delivers food to the midgut. In its mouth, springtail has salivary glands whose function is to secrete enzymes that will be mixed with food in the oral cavity. Springtails have a digestive system consisting of an intestine divided into three distinct parts which allow the digestion and evacuation of food, respectively, as shown in the sketch below 3 representing the section of an Arthropleone springtail. This photo montage 1 on which I respect the proportions, highlights the differences in size between the smallest species that I was given to photograph, Neelus murinus (Neelipleone) whose size is close to 0.6 mm, and the largest, Orchesella villosa (Entomobryomorph) whose average size is about 5 mm.Īll springtails, regardless of their size, have the same internal organs as illustrated by the anatomical section of an Arthropleleone 2: The head carries antennas, the thorax has three pairs of legs and the abdomen has a jumping organ called furca and other organs with specific functions. They have a head, a chest consisting of three segments and an abdomen that includes six. Springtails are animals ranging in size from approximately 0.12 mm to 17 mm.
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