Springtail
Scientific Name: Collembola (general order, not a specific species)
Order & Family: Order Collembola (though sometimes considered a class or subclass, commonly referred to as an order). The image doesn't provide enough detail to narrow down to a specific family, but common families include Entomobryidae, Isotomidae, and Sminthuridae.
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 prefer moist environments. They are commonly found in soil, leaf litter, rotting wood, under bark, in compost piles, and sometimes in damp indoor areas like bathrooms and basements. They can also be found on the surface of water.
Diet & Feeding
Springtails primarily feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, algae, bacteria, and sometimes plant seedlings. They are important decomposers in many ecosystems.
Behavior Patterns
Springtails often appear in large numbers, especially in damp conditions. They move by crawling or by an unusual jumping mechanism using a "furcula" (a tail-like appendage) on their underside, which snaps against the surface and propels them into the air. They are often found in leaf litter, soil, and around decaying organic matter. They are generally harmless to humans and property.
Risks & Benefits
Generally beneficial as decomposers, contributing to soil health and nutrient cycling. They can be a nuisance when found in large numbers indoors, but they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases to humans or pets. They are not known to cause significant damage to household items or structures. In some agricultural contexts, a few species might nibble on young seedlings, but this is rare and not economically significant in most cases.
Identified on: 9/2/2025