One of the most abundant plants along the South Wales Coastal Path, even in the depths of winter, is Alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum), and, almost as soon as it breaks ground, it seems to have rust on its stems and leaves. This rust, Alexanders rust (Puccinia smyrnii), is only ever found on this plant species, and when I was examining the rust recently, I noticed it was providing a meal for some tiny springtails. I’m not sure which springtail species these are – they can be tricky to identify, but many species are known to snack on fungi, fungal spores, mould and bacteria so I guess they find the rust spores a tasty meal.