springtail

American  

[spring-teyl] / ˈsprɪŋˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of numerous minute, wingless primitive insects of the order Collembola, most possessing a special abdominal appendage for jumping that allows for the nearly perpetual springing pattern characteristic of the group.

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springtail British  

/ ˈsprɪŋˌteɪl /

noun

1. any primitive wingless insect of the order Collembola, having a forked springing organ with which it projects itself forward

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Etymology

Origin of springtail

First recorded in 1790–1800; spring + tail ¹

Example Sentences

His photo “Life Under Dead Wood” featured fruiting slime mould alongside a tiny, energetic springtail.

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2024

And it’s true that I’ve had some failures: The app once labeled a springtail a deer tick for me.

From Slate • Jul. 9, 2022

During our investigations, we found this springtail on or near decomposing tree branches, dead insects and muddy cave floors with bat guano—common nutrient sources found within caves.

From Scientific American • Aug. 31, 2017

On an average day, a salamander eats 20 ants of all sizes, two fly or beetle larvae, one adult beetle and half of an insect called the springtail.

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2014

Their new finds bury the previous record-holder for deepest-dwelling springtail, Ongulonychiurus colpus, a Spanish cave creature found 550 meters down.

From Science Magazine • Feb. 22, 2012