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springtail

springtail

1 9.9
A very small insect without wings that jumps using a forked tail
  • noun
  • /ˈsprɪŋˌteɪl/
  • Specialized
: colémbolo
  • In most of the Dry Valleys, there is only one species of springtails," Hogg says.
  • springtails and mites
  • tiny insects called springtails
  • insects called springtails

Examples

  • And then there are the other creatures: nematodes, mites, protozoa, springtails—does he plan to raise all of those bacteria-free?

    Fiction book (2000)
  • This springtail species, Neocryptopygus nivicolus (actual size 0.9 mm), is found only in the vicinity of Mount Seuss.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Do you see the springtail?

    Blog text (28)
  • Don't know what a springtail is?

    Blog text (28)
  • It appears that the springtail was hitching a ride several million years ago.

    Blog text (28)
  • Anyway, researchers have discovered a springtail in association with a mayfly in Dominican amber.

    Blog text (28)
  • After examining their images, researchers discovered that the little springtail was holding onto the mayfly with its antennae.

    Blog text (28)
  • The tiny springtail jumped over the soil as I observed it under the microscope.

  • While hiking in the snow, I noticed a springtail moving quickly across the icy surface.

  • A springtail can be found in moist environments, where it plays an important role in the ecosystem.

Synonyms

Collembola
vsspringtail
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Tiny wingless animals called springtails that live in soil and help break down dead plants

is one individual within that group rather than the whole taxonomic group
collembolan
vsspringtail
  • Specialized
9.9

A very small wingless insect with a tail-like spring that lets it jump

is the common name used in ordinary contexts rather than technical terms

Surface Forms

springtail singular
springtails plural

Morphology

springtail = spring + tail (transparent) = spring + tail

The compound is a straightforward combination of 'spring' and 'tail' referring to a tail used for springing/jumping, so learners knowing both words can infer the basic meaning.

Etymology

Springtail comes from the simple parts spring ('to jump') and tail ('the rear part of an animal'). This tiny insect has a tail-like part that works like a little spring to launch it into the air, so the name tells you exactly how it moves.