Springtail

Scientific Name: Collembola (subclass)

Order & Family: Order: Entomobryomorpha (likely), Various families like Isotomidae or Entomobryidae

Size: Typically minute, ranging from 0.2 mm to 6 mm in length.

Springtail

Natural Habitat

Moist environments such as soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, and frequently found floating on the surface of swimming pools due to surface tension.

Diet & Feeding

Detritivores and microbivores; they feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, mold, bacteria, and algae.

Behavior Patterns

Named for their unique jumping ability using a specialized appendage called a furcula, which snaps against the ground to catapult them away from danger. They often congregate in large numbers where moisture is present.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: harmless to humans and pets; they do not bite or sting. Benefits: vital to soil health as they help break down organic matter and cycle nutrients in the ecosystem.

Identified on: 2/25/2026