Springtail
Scientific Name: Collembola (a class of Hexapoda, not a single species)
Order & Family: Order: Collembola (not an insect order, but a related hexapod order); Families: Various, as it's a broad group (e.g., Entomobryidae, Isotomidae, Sminthuridae).
Size: Typically 0.2 mm to 10 mm, with most common species being 1-3 mm.
Natural Habitat
Damp environments such as soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, under bark, in caves, and sometimes on the surface of water. They can be found both indoors (e.g., bathrooms, basements, potted plants) and outdoors.
Diet & Feeding
Mostly detritivores, feeding on decaying organic matter, fungi, algae, bacteria, and sometimes plant roots.
Behavior Patterns
Springtails are known for their ability to jump using a furcula, a spring-like appendage on their abdomen. They are generally found in moist environments and are often seen in large aggregations, especially on the surface of water or in damp soil. They undergo ametabolous development, meaning they have no metamorphosis and continue to molt throughout their lives.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans and pets. They can be considered a nuisance when found in large numbers indoors, but they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. Ecologically, they are beneficial decomposers, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling and soil health.
Identified on: 9/2/2025