Have you ever wondered what creatures live in our soil?
On Wednesday 29 May, SmallTalX, in partnership with the Franschhoek Theatre, will host a talk by University of Cape Town biologist Dr Charlene Janion-Scheepers on the tiny invertebrates that live beneath our feet.
Janion-Scheepers is an expert on the Collembola, better known as springtails. These are miniscule – and, in some cases, microscopic – wingless invertebrates that are the most abundant terrestrial animals in the world, living in moist soil on every continent, including the Antarctic.
They are commonly named springtails because of a spring-loaded appendage under their abdomens that they use to escape from predators. A typical springtail can leap as much as 15 cm into the air, the equivalent of a human leaping over the Eiffel Tower in a single bound.
Janion-Scheepers has studied these creatures in South Africa and on the Antarctic Islands.
Springtails play a pivotal role in the decomposition of organic matter, breaking down leaf and plant litter. They are also important as a source of prey in the leaf litter ecosystem. Springtails can be found in a variety of environments, from mountaintops to coastal areas – and even in your own garden. Despite this, they are often overlooked by biologists.
At the talk, there will be microscopes available, allowing those attending to examine springtails and other soil organisms. The audience will also have the opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session with the speaker.
There will also be a selection of books for sale courtesy of Wordsworth Books as well as a book stall hosted by the Antarctic Legacy Project of South Africa. Included will be several books about Marion Island.
The event forms part of the popular SmallTalX series of talks, hosted in collaboration with the Franschhoek Theatre. Recent events have covered topics such as politics, astronomy, shark conservation, snakes and reptiles, artificial intelligence and classical music. Future topics include marine life, plate tectonics and ancient Rome.
The talk takes place at the Franschhoek Theatre at 18:30. Tickets cost R250 per person, and include wine and snacks. Bookings are essential at www.franschhoektheatre.co.za.
- For more information, send an email to smalltalx.info@gmail.com or a WhatsApp message to 076 469 6485.
