Springtail

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.