Elongate Springtail

Scientific Name: Entomobryomorpha (Order)

Order & Family: Order: Entomobryomorpha; Family: Varies (often Entomobryidae or Isotomidae)

Size: Typically 1-3 mm in length (very small to microscopic).

Elongate Springtail

Natural Habitat

Found in moist environments, both outdoors (leaf litter, soil, decaying wood) and indoors (basements, bathrooms, potted plants, windowsills).

Diet & Feeding

Primarily detritivores; they feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, mold spores, algae, and bacteria.

Behavior Patterns

Named for their furcula (tail-like appendage) which allows them to jump rapidly when threatened, though not all species jump visible distances. They do not bite or sting.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans and pets (no biting or disease transmission). Can be a nuisance in large numbers indoors but are beneficial decomposers in soil ecosystems.

Identified on: 3/5/2026