Springtail (specifically an elongate-bodied springtail)
Collembola (Class); Entomobryomorpha (Order)
- Order & Family
- Order: Entomobryomorpha; Family: varies (common families include Entomobryidae)
- Size
- Very small, typically 1 to 3 mm (less than 1/8 inch) in length.
Natural Habitat
Typically found in moist environments. Outdoors they live in leaf litter, soil, decaying wood, and moss. Indoors they are found in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, potted plants, and windowsills.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, mold, algae, and bacteria. They are detritivores.
Behavior Patterns
Named for their ability to jump or 'spring' away from danger using a tail-like appendage called a furcula tucked under their abdomen. They do not bite or sting. They often gather in large numbers where moisture is present.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: None to humans or pets; they do not bite, sting, or transmit disease. They can merely be a nuisance in large numbers indoors. Benefits: They are beneficial decomposers in the soil ecosystem, helping to break down organic matter and cycle nutrients.