|
Springtails
|
|
World species: 500 |
| Species in N.A. north of Mexico: 300 | ||
| Source of name: "spring" under body | ||
| Nickname: "springtails" |
|
Springtails
|
|
World species: 500 |
| Species in N.A. north of Mexico: 300 | ||
| Source of name: "spring" under body | ||
| Nickname: "springtails" |
| Springtails constitute a specialized group of small, six-legged insects that
are distinguished from their peers by the springlike jumping organ on their
undersides. This "spring" allows them to jump several inches off
the ground or water.
Life span is generally thought to be a few weeks to 4 months. |
Freshwater Springtails
are most apt to be found on quiet edgewaters, where they may move about on the
surface film or shoreline vegetation. They are often overlooked due to
their small size (2-6 mm) and are difficult to catch because they quickly jump
when disturbed. Some species swarm in large numbers on the water's
surface.
