(from the Greek: colla = glue + embolon = wedge or peg)

Collembola are tiny, wingless insects with chewing mouthparts and incomplete metamorphosis. The antennae are usually conspicuous. The scientific name comes from the fact that on the first abdominal segment there is a short tube (called a “collophore”) with which springtails can stick to smooth surfaces. The common name, springtail, refers to the springing structure (furcula) near the tip of the abdomen. Some Collembola can spring several inches and because of their tiny size seem to disappear when they jump. One species is dark colored, and on warm winter days large numbers of them will come out of hibernation to bask in the sun on the surface of the snow. These are often called “snowfleas.” Some species occur on the quiet water surface along the edges of ponds and streams. They are so small that they do not break through the surface film of the water. The Collembola are of no economic importance, but they are plentiful and can be found in many kinds of habitats. They often occur in large numbers under loose bark, logs, stones, and in damp leaf litter where they feed on decaying organic material.

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