Springtail
Scientific Name: Varies widely, e.g., Folsomia candida, Hypogastrura nivicola
Order & Family: Order: Collembola (currently considered a class or subclass of Hexapoda, separate from insects), Various families within Collembola.
Size: Typically very small, ranging from 0.2 mm to 10 mm, with most common species being 1-3 mm in length.
Natural Habitat
Springtails are ubiquitous and can be found in almost any moist environment where organic matter is present. This includes soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, under bark, in compost piles, around plumbing leaks, in bathrooms, basements, and even potted plants. They thrive in high humidity.
Diet & Feeding
Springtails are decomposers, feeding primarily on decaying organic matter such as fungi, bacteria, algae, and decaying plant material. Some species may also graze on living plant roots, but generally cause little damage.
Behavior Patterns
Springtails undergo ametabolous metamorphosis, meaning they don't change much in form during their development. They can reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions. They are known for their furcula, a tail-like appendage that allows them to jump considerable distances to escape predators. Many species can be found in large aggregations, especially in moist environments. They are active in a wide range of temperatures, even below freezing for some species.
Risks & Benefits
Springtails are generally considered harmless to humans and do not bite or transmit diseases. They can become a nuisance when present in large numbers indoors, but typically indicate an underlying moisture problem. Environmentally, they are highly beneficial as primary decomposers, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling, soil formation, and maintaining healthy soil ecosystems by breaking down organic material.
Identified on: 8/27/2025