On Wednesday May 29, SmallTalX and the Franschhoek Theatre will present a talk by Dr Charlene Janion-Scheepers, a biologist from the University of Cape Town, who will delve into the fascinating world of soil invertebrates.

Dr Janion-Scheepers is an expert on springtails – tiny, often microscopic invertebrates that are amongst the most common terrestrial animals on Earth. Dr Janion-Scheepers has had the opportunity to study these creatures not only in South Africa, but on the Antarctic islands as well.

Springtails are named after a spring-loaded limb they have beneath their abdomens. When they are threatened by predators, they are able to use this limb to jump as high as 15 cm off the ground. This would be the equivalent of a human leaping over the Eiffel Tower in a single bound.

Springtails play a vital role in soil ecosystems. They break down leaf and other organic litter, allowing for decomposition to take place. They are also an important part of the food chain for other organisms that live our soil. Springtails can be found in diverse environments, from mountains to the sea, and on all continents (including Antarctica).

Dr Janion-Scheepers will be bringing a number of microscopes to the talk, allowing audience members to see the sorts of springtails and other micro-organisms that live in their own garden soil. There will also be a Q&A session after the talk.

This event is part of the SmallTalX series of public talks at the Franschhoek Theatre. Wordsworth Books will have a stall at the event, offering biology-related books for sale. There will also be a stall hosted by the Antarctic Legacy Project of South Africa, with books detailing South Africa’s rich history of Antarctic research.

Upcoming speakers in the SmallTalX series include Georgina Jones of the Southern Underwater Research Group, Dr Ursula Westwood from the University of Stellenbosch Department of Ancient Studies, and geologist Nick Norman, who will discuss the impact of plate tectonics on fossil distribution.

The talk on springtails takes place at the Franschhoek Theatre on May 29 at 6.30pm. Tickets are R250 per person, including wine and snacks.

Advance booking is essential, and can be done online at www.franschhoektheatre.co.za and for further information, email smalltalx.info@gmail.com or send a WhatsApp message to 076 469 6485.

A springtail of the genus Seira. Springtails like this live in your garden soil, and are capable of jumping 15 cm into the air. PICTURE: AMY LIU

This tiny springtail, Dicryrtomina minuta, is pictured sitting on a snail egg. PICTURE: ANDY MURRAY

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