Springtail
Scientific Name: Not identifiable to species level from the image, as Collembola is a large group.
Order & Family: Order: Collembola (formerly considered an order within insects, now recognized as a separate class of Hexapoda). Family: There are many families within Collembola, and identification to family level is not possible from this image.
Size: Typically 0.2 mm to 10 mm, but most commonly less than 6 mm.
Natural Habitat
Damp environments such as soil, leaf litter, rotting wood, under bark, and sometimes in damp indoor areas like basements or bathrooms.
Diet & Feeding
Decomposing organic matter, fungi, algae, bacteria, and sometimes plant roots.
Behavior Patterns
Springtails often jump using a furcula, a spring-like appendage on their abdomen, when disturbed. They are typically found in moist environments and are very sensitive to desiccation. They are detritivores, playing a role in decomposition.
Risks & Benefits
Springtails are generally harmless to humans and are not known to transmit diseases or bite. They can sometimes be a nuisance in large numbers, especially indoors if moisture issues are present. Environmentally, they are beneficial decomposers, contributing to soil health and nutrient cycling.
Identified on: 8/10/2025