Springtails are minute, wingless insects of the order Collembola. In place of wings, these primitive insects possess forked tail-like structures known as furculae, which they use to leap (or spring) for great distances.

Approximately 6,000 species of springtails exist worldwide, about 700 of which are found in North America. Most species inhabit soil and prefer a moist environment. They feed upon organic material such as fungi, bacteria, or decaying plant matter, and, in breaking down these materials, the springtails also help to enrich the soil. As a matter of fact, the presence of springtails can be used as an indicator of high soil quality.

Springtails are harmless little creatures that make fascinating subjects for visual study due to their unique physical structures and great variety of shapes and colors. Throughout the many species of springtails, almost all individuals measure less than 1 millimeter in length.