springtail

/ˈsprɪŋteɪl/

Definitions

1. noun

A small insect that has a forked tail with a spring-like appendage that is used for jumping.

“The naturalist observed a springtail crawling across the forest floor.”

2. noun

A member of the insect order Collembola.

“The entomologist studied the behavior of springtails in their natural habitat.”

Synonyms

  • Collembola
  • jumping bug

Antonyms

  • non-jumping insect