Springtail

Scientific Name: Collembola (subclass)

Order & Family: Order: Entomobryomorpha, Family: Entomobryidae

Size: 1 to 6 mm (0.04 to 0.24 inches)

Springtail

Natural Habitat

Moist environments, leaf litter, decaying wood, soil, and occasionally damp indoor areas like bathrooms or kitchens.

Diet & Feeding

Detritivores feeding on fungal hyphae, spores, bacteria, algae, and decaying vegetable matter.

Behavior Patterns

Known for their jumping ability using a specialized appendage called a furcula. They often congregate in large numbers where moisture is abundant and reproduce rapidly.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans, pets, and structures. They are beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers, helping to cycle nutrients back into the soil.

Identified on: 5/19/2026