Springtail
Scientific Name: Collembola (subclass)
Order & Family: Order Entomobryomorpha, Family Entomobryidae (likely based on elongated body shape)
Size: Typically 1 to 6 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Damp environments, including soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, and humid indoor areas like bathrooms or kitchens
Diet & Feeding
Detritivores; they feed on decaying plant material, fungi, mold, algae, and bacteria
Behavior Patterns
Notable for their 'jumping' ability using a fork-like tail called a furcula; they are non-migratory and often aggregate in large numbers in moist areas
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans and pets; they provide ecosystem benefits by breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients into the soil
Identified on: 6/10/2026