Meaning: colla=glue; embolon=bar

Pronunciation: kol-UM-bo-la

Common name(s): Springtails

Mouthparts: chewing but withdrawn into head (=endognathous)

Wings: none (=apterygota)

Metamorphosis: none (=ametabolus)

Body characteristics:

springtail - a forked tail (=furcula) from underside of abdomen when released acts like a spring vaulting the insect into the air for movement.

Collophone (a tube-like projection from lower abdomen) thought to aid in water regulation.

tiny in size - either elongate or globular in shape.

Where found: well adapted in soil, especially in leaf litter level. Need moist conditions and high organic matter. One emerges in winter (snowflea). A few species are pests in greenhouses.

Economic impact: Scavengers that recycle nutrients in soil. Minor greenhouse pest.

Size of order: 200 species (soo in No. America). Numerally abundant in soil.

• Gordon's Entomological Homepage
• University of Arizona Tree of Life Page (Very Interesting Site!)