springtail

American  

[spring-teyl] / ˈsprɪŋˌteɪl /

noun

1. any of numerous minute, wingless primitive insects of the order Collembola, most possessing a special abdominal appendage for jumping that allows for the nearly perpetual springing pattern characteristic of the group.

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springtail British  

/ ˈsprɪŋˌteɪl /

noun

1. any primitive wingless insect of the order Collembola, having a forked springing organ with which it projects itself forward

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Etymology

Origin of springtail

First recorded in 1790–1800; spring + tail ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

springtail

His photo “Life Under Dead Wood” featured fruiting slime mould alongside a tiny, energetic springtail.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2024

And it’s true that I’ve had some failures: The app once labeled a springtail a deer tick for me.

From Slate ● Jul. 9, 2022

The underside of the springtail has a long tube called a collophore that grabs a drop of water as the springtail takes off.

From Science Magazine ● Jan. 13, 2022

On an average day, a salamander eats 20 ants of all sizes, two fly or beetle larvae, one adult beetle and half of an insect called the springtail.

From New York Times ● Apr. 7, 2014

What was less well known was whether hitchin’ a ride on a springtail was a significant contributor to what biologists like to politely term “reproductive success”.

From Scientific American ● Jul. 28, 2012