THE XERCES SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION

Aquatic Invertebrates in Pacific Northwest Freshwater Wetlands
An Identification Guide and Educational Resource

Collembola are generally terrestrial invertebrates, but a few species have adaptations for living in aquatic environments. Even those with such adaptations generally live on the surface of the water.

Springtails are 6-legged arthropods in the subphylum Hexapoda, and are not considered insects. They are small and come in a great variety of shapes and colors. Some of the Collembola shown here are purple, and it is not unusual to find red and yellow springtails. Some are long or flattened, while others are round. There isn't any noticeable difference between juveniles and adults. Springtails do not have wings. They have a unique, multipurpose, tubular organ on the underside of their abdomen called a collophore. They use this organ for breathing and for hanging on to substrates.

Many of the more primitive types have an additional appendage called a furcula, which is an elongated spring that is kept tucked underneath the abdomen. The action of the furcula gives Collembola their common name - springtails. In response to danger or other cues, springtails can release the furcula and, with great force for their small size, fling themselves to a potentially more suitable location. Should the new location be in the water, their hydrophobic skin and small size allow them to float along on the surface.

Size: small
Identifying feature(s): furcula, six legs, small
Habitat: wetlands - edges of aquatic habitats