Springtail
Scientific Name: Collembola (subclass)
Order & Family: Entomobryomorpha (Order); often Entomobryidae (Family)
Size: Typically 1 to 3 millimeters in length, though some species can be smaller or slightly large.
Natural Habitat
Damp environments rich in organic matter, such as leaf litter, soil, rotting wood, and occasionally indoor bathrooms or kitchens if moisture is present.
Diet & Feeding
Mostly detritivores; they feed on decaying plant matter, fungi, mold spores, algae, and bacteria.
Behavior Patterns
Known for their ability to jump using a tail-like appendage called a furcula (though not all species jump). They gather in large numbers where moisture and food are abundant.
Risks & Benefits
Generally harmless to humans and pets; they do not bite or sting. They are beneficial decomposers in soil ecosystems but can be a nuisance pest if they infest damp areas of a home.
Identified on: 2/26/2026