springtail
noun
spring·tail
ˈspriŋ-ˌtāl 
: any of an order (Collembola) of small primitive wingless arthropods that are either classified as insects or are placed in a related class (Entognatha), that have internal mouthparts enclosed in folds of the head, usually possess a furcula used for jumping, exhibit incomplete metamorphosis, feed especially on fungi and decaying vegetation, and are typically found in moist or wet surroundings (such as soil, on the surface of water or melting snow, or in caves)
called also collembolan
Examples of springtail in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The mechanism is complicated, but here’s the gist: A lot of things that salamanders eat, including springtails and beetle larvae, chew up leaves on the forest floor.
—
Benji Jones, Vox, 18 June 2024
In addition to Belgica antarctica, the terrestrial ecosystem is composed of just a handful of small animals like springtails (a type of tiny arthropod), a smattering of microorganisms and low-lying ground cover such as lichen.
—Popular Science, 15 Feb. 2024
The reason that the spider can survive this high up remains somewhat of a mystery, although it is known to eat flies and springtails for nourishment.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024
That list would certainly include springtails, sowbugs, pillbugs, millipedes, slugs, fungi and others.
—oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2023
Liquids aren’t the only things that can’t get a hold on a springtail’s skin.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 2 Oct. 2011
But now researchers have found that just as flowers release scents that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, so too does the humble moss lure in the springtail with its own special secretions .
—Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2012
Among the wonders of the natural world that few people have ever noticed: a semiaquatic springtail in motion.
—Oliver Whang, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2022
Inspired by this not-so-random jumping, the scientists also built springtail-like leaping robots.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Benji Jones, Vox, 18 June 2024
In addition to Belgica antarctica, the terrestrial ecosystem is composed of just a handful of small animals like springtails (a type of tiny arthropod), a smattering of microorganisms and low-lying ground cover such as lichen.
—Popular Science, 15 Feb. 2024
The reason that the spider can survive this high up remains somewhat of a mystery, although it is known to eat flies and springtails for nourishment.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2024
That list would certainly include springtails, sowbugs, pillbugs, millipedes, slugs, fungi and others.
—oregonlive, 26 Aug. 2023
Liquids aren’t the only things that can’t get a hold on a springtail’s skin.
—Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 2 Oct. 2011
But now researchers have found that just as flowers release scents that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, so too does the humble moss lure in the springtail with its own special secretions .
—Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2012
Among the wonders of the natural world that few people have ever noticed: a semiaquatic springtail in motion.
—Oliver Whang, New York Times, 28 Nov. 2022
Inspired by this not-so-random jumping, the scientists also built springtail-like leaping robots.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022
Dictionary Entries Near springtail
Cite this Entry
“Springtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/springtail. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share