While walking along a forested trail in Pike County, PA on March 28, my eyes were drawn to a greenish cluster of fungi fruiting on a fallen log. Leaning in for a closer look, I spied something even more interesting—a bluish-gray puddle of what appeared to be pepper seeds popping about in the leaf litter. Springtail time in the Upper Delaware River had arrived!

The following day I encountered them again along a different trail a few miles away, where they were cruising the currents of a small creek swollen with spring thaw, having the ride of their lives to new locations downstream. 

Springtails are arthropods (invertebrates characterized by jointed legs, an exoskeleton and a segmented body) the deep roots of which reach back to the days when dinosaurs ruled the planet. 

While there are more than 6,000 known species of springtails in the world, the one most commonly encountered here is the snow flea, not to be confused with the biting insects often found on our domestic pets. Although they do bear a resemblance, springtails are not insects, nor do they bite, sting or suck blood. 

In fact, they are harmless to humans and animals and help to break down and recycle organic matter,  thereby playing important roles as detritivores and beneficial decomposers. The moisture-loving “fleas” are drawn to damp environments, living year-round in soil, leaf litter and rotting logs while dining on fungi, algae and decomposing organic matter. 

Springtails are typically only 1/10th of an inch long and feature two characteristics of note. 

The first is their ability to survive cold winter conditions due to a natural “antifreeze” protein produced in their bodies.

The second is a forked springing organ called a furcula, which is used to propel themselves a distance of 50-100 times their body length, a vigorous display for which they are aptly named.

Take a moment to imagine what it might be like to have that ability yourself!