The 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.

Collembola, New Zealand, soil mites, SpringtailsAndy Murray5 December 2024collembola, springtail, mite, soil, soil animal mesofauna, world soil day, WSD, macro, macrophotography Comment

The Collembola of Rangitoto

I had arrived with big expectations and a head torch, but reality soon crept in. Firstly, lava stone is the most painful rock to kneel on, no question. It even hurts, picking up a rock. After half an hour of fruitless searching, I found a single springtail, a juvenile Neelus murinus.

Travelling, New Zealand, Island, AuklandAndy Murray15 November 2016Collembola, Springtail, Spinotheca magnasetacea, Neelus murinus, Neanuridae, Rangitoto Island, Auckland, New Zealand, Volcanic, Primary successionComment

New Zealand glaciers and climate change

Franz Josef has one of the most accessible glaciers in NZ, the other being Fox Glacier, a few miles beyond. Climate change is pushing the glaciers back at an incredible and saddening rate. If it continues to melt, within thirty years, there may not be any glaciers left at all.

All about springtails, soil mesofauna and me