Bug Identifier
Springtail
Community identification

Springtail

Collembola

Order & Family
Order Collembola
Size
0.2 mm to 6.0 mm
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Damp soil, leaf litter, decaying wood, and humid indoor areas like bathrooms and basements.

Diet & Feeding

Fungi, decaying organic matter, algae, and microscopic plant tissue.

Behavior Patterns

They use a forked appendage called a furcula to leap great distances when disturbed. They require high humidity to survive and reproduce.

Risks & Benefits

They are harmless to humans, do not bite, and benefit the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter, though large indoor swarms can indicate moisture issues.