Collembola  

Springtails have been found in everywhere on earth were there is soil and are active under most environmental conditions – unlike nematodes, bacteria or earthworms (Filser, 2002).



A very abundant group of soil hexapods, both in terms of species and numbers. Densities range from about 100 to 670,000 individuals/m2 as many as 60 different species may coexist within a few hectares (Petersen and Luxton, 1982).

Worldwide ca. 6500 collembolan species are listed, belonging to 18 families (Hopkin 1997). For Europe, there are estimated to be ca. 1500 species, belonging to 16 families (taxonomic work is still progressing).

Collembola are the most abundant terrestrial arthropods, colonising all soil habitats that provide enough humidity and food, such as organic matter or microorganisms. Example habitats include root rosettes of high alpine plants, plant debris on the shore, natural soils, as well as microhabitats such as flower pots. Most species are soil or litter dwellers, whilst only few species live on the surface or in the vegetation (mainly Entomobryidae and Symphypleona). In mature soil, abundances may attain values of 50–100,000 individuals/m2. Local gradations in abundance are a well known phenomenon in many Collembola.

Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; parthenogenic ; sexual ; fertilization (External ); oviparous

These animals have no parental care

Parental Investment: no parental involvement

Appendage causes high jumps: springtails
 

The abdominal, tail-like appendage of springtails (furcula) is a pronged fork device causing high jumps when stored tension is released.

 
  Springtails "possess a pronged fork device which is doubled beneath the body and held in place by terminal catches when not in use; when released under tension, the fork strikes the substrate with considerable force, sending the springtail spinning high into the air." (Wootton 1984:146)

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