At only 1.3mm in length, this staph is the smallest of its kind that I have put a name to so far. It really is at the limit of my (and most definitely my microscope's) ability to see and dissect. Carding the specimen ends up being more of a wing and a prayer than anything else.
I sieved this from my compost heap at the start of the month alongside a whole load of ptilids that are also testing my ability for fine needlework.
It is Oligota pumilo and luckily it's tarsal formula (4-4-4) and it's clubbed antennae help get one to the rough ball park...
The male aedeagus (as is often the way) is pretty much a clincher.
If only I was having better luck with the ptilids!
