Our House


Springtails or Collembola

- Small, soil-dwelling arthropods -

Summary: Collembola are small arthropods that can be very abundant in damp, organic soils. They feed on dead plant material and fungi. Despite claims to the contrary, there is no evidence that collembola parasitize humans or any other animal.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

Springtails, or collembola, are primative hexapods (six-legged arthropods) that are closely related to insects. These small critters (1-6 mm, usually less than 3 mm) live in soil, leaf litter, and other damp organic material. They can be extremely abundant at times.

Houseplant soil is a common habitat of springtails in homes. They generally cause no harm but may be so abundant that they become a nuisance. Very occasionally they damage tender, young garden plants.

Springtails may be nearly colorless to white or gray and even yellow, orange, red, or green. The name "springtail" comes from an ability to spring forward by releasing an appendage that is normally tucked under the abdomen (right, lower drawing). All stages except the egg are similar in shape.

springtail

Two views of a springtail; photograph (upper, head and antennae to the right) and linedrawing (below, head to the left). Note the long "springtail" at rear end (lower, right) which may be folded forward.

linedrawing of springtail
 

When springtails are abundant the cause is usually high soil moisture and/or highly organic soils. Usually the best control is to reduce soil moisture. A normal wet/dry cycle is often enough to reduce springtail numbers in a garden. You might also cut back on the amount of compost added each year. If an insecticide is needed, however, insecticidal soap is a good choice.

The name "collembola" refers to the scientific name for the order of these critters.

Collembola as human parasites

A number of sources claim that collembola parasitize or infect humans through the skin. There is no credible evidence for this and the biology of collembola argues against that this could even occur. Collembola are not otherwise parasitic nor do they have a morphology that adapts them to this lifestyle.

The Pest Management Store

Identification guides, reference and gardening books, etc.

Google

Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.

Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.

Please see the Disclaimer statements as well (sorry, but these are necessary).


Copyright 2004-2007 livingwithbugs.com. All Rights Reserved. Page Updated: 10/21/2007