Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Springtail
Collembola
· Also called snow flea, collembola
People search “springtail” because it looks like something that bites. Springtail (Collembola) does not bite or sting people. Also called snow flea, collembola.
Specks that jump in the sink are not fleas.
What does a springtail look like?
Springtail is Under 3 mm. Colors: gray, black, white. Marks: Tiny; Jumps; Damp surfaces; No flat flea body.
Springtail is Under 3 mm. Colors: gray, black, white. Marks: Tiny; Jumps; Damp surfaces; No flat flea body.
Identification marks
- Tiny
- Jumps
- Damp surfaces
- No flat flea body
Size: Under 3 mm
Colors: gray, black, white
Where: both
Springtail vs Cat flea
Tiny jumper in a damp bathroom, no pet itching = springtail. Ankle bites plus a scratching pet = flea.
- Cat flea identification (Ctenocephalides felis)
- Silverfish identification (Lepisma saccharinum)
Range and season
Active damp weather; some on snow. Places: bathroom, mulch, soil. Tiny jumpers in damp places. Not fleas. They do not bite.
Overwatered plants, drains, and damp basements.
Tiny jumpers in damp places. Not fleas. They do not bite.
Damp weather; some on snow
Common questions
Are springtails fleas?
No. They do not bite and they are not on pets.
Snow flea vs cat flea?
Snow fleas are springtails on snow or damp soil. Cat fleas are on pets and bite ankles.