Springtail
Scientific Name: Collembola
Order & Family: Order: Entomobryomorpha, Poduromorpha, or Neelipleona (within the subclass Collembola)
Size: 0.12 to 6 millimeters (typically around 1-2 mm)
Natural Habitat
Damp environments high in organic matter, such as leaf litter, soil, rotting wood, and occasionally indoor areas with high humidity like bathrooms or basements.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily detritivorous, feeding on decaying plant material, fungi, bacteria, and algae.
Behavior Patterns
Known for their 'furcula', a tail-like appendage that allows them to jump several inches into the air when threatened. They are sensitive to desiccation and aggregate in large numbers in moist spots.
Risks & Benefits
They are harmless to humans, pets, and structures. They provide significant ecosystem benefits by assisting in the decomposition process and nutrient cycling in the soil.
Identified on: 1/6/2026