Springtails
Scientific name: Collembola
Springtails
Scientific name: Collembola
Description
The Collembola order, commonly referred to as springtails, showcases fascinating adaptations that challenge common perceptions of insects. Despite their minuscule size, springtails play a crucial role in soil ecology by contributing to the decomposition of organic matter. A prevailing myth suggests that they can jump long distances due to powerful legs, but they actually utilize a specialized tail structure called a furcula to spring into the air, allowing for rapid movement. While they may be tiny, their ecological impact is vast, and they are often overlooked in environmental studies.