Springtail

*Collembola*

Content coming soon for this insect guide.

Insect Profile

Beneficial Rating

+3 Beneficial

Active Months

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

US Distribution

NortheastSoutheastMidwestSouthwestWestPacific Northwest

Habitat Preferences

gardensmeadowsforestsleaf littersoilunder tree barkaround ponds and lakesin mosson the surface of wateron snow

Taxonomic Group

Other Invertebrate

Order

Entomobryomorpha, Poduromorpha, Symphypleona, Neelipleona

Family

Hypogastruridae, Onychiuridae, Isotomidae, Entomobryidae, Sminthuridae, Neelidae

Lifecycle

Springtails have an incomplete metamorphosis, with three stages: egg, juvenile, and adult. The eggs are laid in moist soil, and the juveniles resemble smaller versions of the adults. They molt multiple times throughout their lives. The entire life cycle from egg to adult can be as short as four to six weeks, and they can have multiple generations per year, especially in favorable, moist conditions.

Overwintering Strategy

Springtails are active year-round and can survive freezing temperatures. Some species, known as 'snow fleas,' are active on the surface of snow during winter. They overwinter in various life stages (egg, juvenile, or adult) in the soil, leaf litter, and other protected, moist environments.

Native Range

Worldwide (cosmopolitan)

Attracted By

moist soilorganic matterdecaying vegetationleaf littermoldfungibacteriaalgae

Repelled By

dry conditionscider vinegarlavender oileucalyptus oiltea tree oilneem oilcedar oil

Companion Planting

Springtails are beneficial decomposers that thrive in moist, organic-rich environments. To support their populations, maintain a layer of mulch or leaf litter around plants. They are not directly involved in pollination or pest control in a way that would necessitate specific companion planting strategies. However, creating a healthy soil food web, which springtails are a part of, benefits all plants.