Springtail
Scientific Name: Collembola
Order & Family: Entomobryomorpha (Order), often Entomobryidae (Family)
Size: 0.25 mm to 6 mm (microscopic to barely visible to the naked eye)
Natural Habitat
Typically found in damp soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, and sometimes indoors in high-humidity areas like bathrooms, basements, or potted plants.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily detritivores; they feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, mold, algae, and bacteria.
Behavior Patterns
Known for their ability to jump using a tail-like appendage called a furcula (though not all species jump). They are often seen swarming in large numbers when conditions are right.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans and pets; they do not bite or sting. They are beneficial as decomposers in soil ecosystems but can be a nuisance pest indoors indicating moisture issues.
Identified on: 2/22/2026