Springtail

[Sarah]

Any one of numerous species of small apterous insects belongingto the order Thysanura. They have two elastic caudal stylets whichcan be bent under the abdomen and then suddenly extended like aspring, thus enabling them to leap to a considerable distance. SeeCollembola, and Podura.

[Michiko]

A minute primitive wingless insect which has a springlike organ under the abdomen that enables it to leap when disturbed. Springtails are abundant in the soil and leaf litter.

[Urooj.Zafar]

any of numerous minute wingless primitive insects possessing a special abdominal appendage that allows the characteristic nearly perpetual springing pattern; found in soil rich in organic debris or on the surface of snow or water

[diannvq4]

Springtails (Collembola) form the largest of the three lineages of modern hexapods that are no longer considered insects (the other two are the Protura and Diplura). Although the three orders are sometimes grouped together in a class called Entognatha because they have internal mouthparts, they do not appear to be any more closely related to one another than they are to all insects, which have external mouthparts.
Collembolans are omnivorous, free-living organisms that prefer moist conditions. They do not directly engage in the decomposition of organic matter, but contribute to it indirectly through the fragmentation of organic matter and the control of soil microbial communities. The word Collembola is from the ancient Greek κόλλα kólla glue and ἔμβολος émbolos peg; this name was given due to the existence of the collophore, which was previously thought to stick to surfaces to stabilize the creature.Some DNA sequence studies suggest that Collembola represent a separate evolutionary line from the other Hexapoda, but others disagree; this seems to be caused by widely divergent patterns of molecular evolution among the arthropods. The adjustments of traditional taxonomic rank for springtails reflects the occasional incompatibility of traditional groupings with modern cladistics: when they were included with the insects, they were ranked as an order; as part of the Entognatha, they are ranked as a subclass. If they are considered a basal lineage of Hexapoda, they are elevated to full class status.

[GrompelFem]

A springtail is a type of small, wingless insect in the order Collembola that is named for its unique tail mechanism that allows it to jump or spring in the air as a form of escape or transportation. They are omnivorous, feeding primarily on decaying plants and fungi and are found in a variety of habitats including soil, leaf litter, and snowfields. They play an important role in soil ecosystems as they help with decomposition and nutrient cycling.

[Laverneenack]

Any of various wingless insects, of the order Collembola, that have spring-like legs.