Springtails (various species)

Description:

Springtails are small, 0.04 to 0.2 inch long, wingless insects. Color varies, depending on species, and ranging from black to gray to white, yellow, lavender, red, green or gold. Some are patterned or mottled and some are iridescent or metallic due to the scales which cover the body. In addition to antennae and three pairs of true legs, springtails jump with an unusual forked structure on the end of their abdomen. Springtails are occasionally misidentified as fleas because they can occur in the home and jump. However, springtails are round and soft bodied instead of dark brown and flattened. Springtails have normal hind legs, whereas fleas have hind legs modified for jumping. They feed on algae and decomposing vegetable matter, bacteria and fungi.

Habitat:

leaf mold, damp soil and rotting logs.

Notes:

Some springtails can jump 3 to 4 inches.