Springtail
Scientific Name: Collembola (this is the order; specific genus/species would require microscopic examination but is not discernible from the image.)
Order & Family: Collembola (an order within Hexapoda, but not considered true insects); various families within Collembola.
Size: Typically very small, ranging from 0.2 mm to about 10 mm, with most common species being less than 3-4 mm.
Natural Habitat
Damp environments, including soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, compost piles, under bark, in moss, and sometimes damp areas within homes (e.g., bathrooms, basements).
Diet & Feeding
Primarily feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, algae, bacteria, and occasionally plant roots.
Behavior Patterns
Springtails are known for their ability to jump using a furcula, a forked appendage under their abdomen. They are detritivores, playing a role in decomposition. Many species are found in soil, leaf litter, and other damp environments where organic matter is plentiful. Some species can dry out and enter a state of dormancy if conditions become too dry.
Risks & Benefits
Springtails are generally harmless to humans and do not bite or transmit diseases. They are beneficial in ecosystems as decomposers, helping to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients. In rare cases, very large populations might be considered a nuisance indoors, but they do not cause structural damage. Some species are used as bioindicators of soil health.
Identified on: 8/28/2025