Sminthurinus aureus

This globular springtail appeared in a pitfall trap and was on its last legs when I found it. I keyed it as far as I could, to Sminthurinus sp., and after that I was struggling to see the requisite detail to take it any further. However I think its appearance matches the ochropus form of aureus, one of the common species in the genus.

Sminthurinus aureus, Wendling Beck Environment Project (Norfolk, UK), 29th October-2nd November 2022

This was also in a pitfall trap but I'm not certain about its identity. The thing that's making me question whether it might not be aureus is the pale oblong patch down the rear of its dorsum - I can't find any references or photos to this species having such a patch, but nor can I find anything else that looks similar. Unfortunately the specimen was accidentally lost so no microscopy is possible. I'd be very happy to hear from you if you can shed any light on this.

possible Sminthurinus aureus, Wendling Beck Environment Project (Norfolk, UK), 30th-31st July 2025