springtail

Everyday

A tiny, wingless, six-legged animal that lives in soil and leaf litter and jumps by flicking a spring-like tail under its body. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about soil and minibeasts, springtails are among the most common tiny creatures, breaking down dead leaves and helping make soil. Pupils may find them with a magnifying glass or in a Tullgren funnel. They are harmless to people.

Examples

• We found springtails in the leaf litter under the hedge. tree →
• A springtail jumps by flicking its tail. tree →
• Springtails help break down dead leaves. tree →
• You need a magnifying glass to see a springtail. tree →
• Thousands of springtails can live in one square metre of soil. tree →
• Springtails are not insects, though they look like them. tree →

Note

Countable; one word. Scientists today usually class them as six-legged animals related to insects but not true insects.