The fact is that most people who are interested enough to look for a real springtail, like you, need to know where and how. Unlike house flies or butterflies, which we usually see right in front of our eyes when they land on the windowpane as if it were their runway, there’s not much chance of spotting one with just your naked eye alone.

Springtails hide under wet fallen leaves or mosses; some large species may hide underneath decaying bark from old trees, while smaller ones could creep around in flower pots. However, flowerpot springtails are rare due to other bugs already taking up residence there. When looking for them (which might take patience), remember: They’re everywhere but so clever!

If you find a springtail, it’s best to observe how they crawl and jump. You can then take photos of them for some fun science! Web platforms like iNaturalist or Flickr have thousands of people who took pictures from around the world that might help scientists understand the unique characteristics of these pesky pests.

Catching a springtail can be easy if you use an entomological aspirator. If not, try using a Tullgren funnel to grab the bugs from their habitats, like leaf litter and soil.

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