Dicyrtomidae
Scientific name: Dicyrtomidae
Dicyrtomidae
Scientific name: Dicyrtomidae
Description
Despite their obscure status, the Dicyrtomidae are a fascinating family of minute creatures, essential to soil health. Often mistaken for insects, these springtails are closely aligned with hexapods. The Dicyrtomidae are known for their unique furcula, a forked structure that allows them to leap through the air, a misconceived ability often exaggerated as a defensive mechanism against predators. This leaping is actually a locomotive method, offering an impressive spectacle of micro-acrobatics.