Deuterosminthurus pallipes

This species has two distinct colour forms, yellow (form repandus) and purple. Both forms interbreed producing single coloured offspring of either yellow or purple specimens. There are no in between colour forms known and both sexes occur in both colour forms. The female is slightly larger with a more elongate body. Ocelli in characteristic arrangement: upper row 3 ocelli, middle row 1 large ocellus, lower row 4 ocelli. 

Frequently arboreal, they climb up vegetation to mate. 

Mainly from spring to autumn.

They have a complex mating ritual. These are the waltzing springtails species seen in David Attenboroughs 'Life in the Undergrowth' series.

Common and widespread in Britain though not well recorded.

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.