Noun: collembolan
- Any of numerous minute wingless primitive insects possessing a special abdominal appendage that allows the characteristic nearly perpetual springing pattern; found in soil rich in organic debris or on the surface of snow or water
"Springtails are a common type of collembolan found in garden soil";
- springtail
Derived forms: collembolans
Type of: insect
Part of: Collembola, order Collembola
Encyclopedia: Collembolan