Book 24, Question 34
How do springtails jump when they have no wings?
A springtail has a little tail-like part tucked under its belly, held in place like a spring. When it gets scared, the tail is released and flicks against the ground, flinging the springtail into the air in a flash. Springtails are tiny six-legged animals that live in soil and leaf litter. They eat fungi and rotting bits of leaves.
More fun facts
- Springtails are tiny, wingless animals only about 1 to 2 millimeters long.
- Under their belly, they have a forked part called a furcula that folds forward.
- A latch called a tenaculum holds the furcula in place.
- When the latch lets go, the furcula snaps down and flings the springtail into the air.
- One jump can carry a springtail 3 to 4 inches, about 100 times its own body length.
- Springtails eat rotting plants, fungi, bacteria, pollen and algae.
Questions kids ask
What are snow fleas?
They are springtails that sometimes gather on old snow banks, where they feed on algae and fungus spores.