Soil is the last truly unexplored region of the planet, and it lies right below our feet. in celebration of the theme of World Soil Day 2025, I thought I would write a short blog post showing some of the remarkable and beautiful tiny soil animals that can be found surviving and sometimes thriving in an urban environment.
Read MoreI often get asked about how to take decent photos of springtails and all the other tiny mesofauna. So here is a general breakdown of what I’ve learned, the mistakes I’ve made, and the tricks and techniques that I use that will improve your extreme macro photos.
Read MoreThe soil is full of secret life. Hidden in the darkness are the mesofauna, ancient, tiny and incredible soil animals that are at the heart of a healthy soil, ensuring we have healthy food and a healthy planet.
Read MoreSpringtails, officially known as Collembola, are a small and incredibly common invertebrate and a big part of the soil mesofauna, worldwide. They’re objectively and categorically way better than horses, tigers, dogs, bush babies, koalas and hedgehogs.
Read MoreThe genus of Sminthurides contains many species, with quite a few solely water dwelling springtails worldwide. In the UK, S. aquaticus is by far the most common, although S. malmgreni can also be found in soil as well as skipping about happily on the water.
Read MoreA US citizen’s house should be a sanctuary during these crazy times, a place to close the door on the outside world and relax. But for many, a house is no longer a home. Across the US, home-owners are now struggling with a new home invasion that no gun, alarm, bolt or lock can stop.
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