August 1996
SIZE: Less than 1/5 inch (5mm)
COLOR: Pale brown to cream colored
DESCRIPTION: Springtails are very small (rarely more than 1/5 inch long), pale brown to cream colored insects that seem to hop and disappear when disturbed. The common name "springtail" has been applied to these insects because of this habit of springing away. A hook-like structure on the bottom side of the abdomen is snapped against the ground and this propels the insect.
HABITAT: Springtails are commonly found in moist or damp places, usually in contact with soil. Homeowners encounter them in damp basements and on the surface of the soil of household plants. The moist, organic soil of house plants provides them the proper environment to live and increase in numbers. Plants that are over- watered during the fall and winter can support a large population of springtails in the potting soil.
LIFE CYCLE: Populations are often high, up to 100,000 per cubic meter of surface soil, or many millions per acre. Some can reproduce at temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
TYPE OF DAMAGE: Springtails have chewing mouthparts, but they rarely, if ever, damage house plants (roots or leaves). Frequently, plants begin to decline and homeowners blame the springtails. But not so! Springtails rarely cause the death of house plants-over- watering can, however.
CONTROL: Do nothing, but stop over-watering the plant! Let the soil dry out-the springtails will leave or die.
INTERESTING FACTS: They may live in termite nests, in snow and even in mushroom cellars.