Springtails
Immature and Adult Orchesella cincta Springtails
Springtail Species in Utah
Springtail Feeding Damage
Springtail Feeding Damage on Seedling
HOSTS
- Leafy Greens
- Root Crops
DESCRIPTION
Adults are small, six-legged arthropods with elongate or bulbous bodies that are dully colored purplish gray, cream, or brown. The immature stage is similar to of the adult, but smaller and lighter colored. Many springtails have a unique tail-like structure (furcula) that hooks under the body and is used, by snapping downward, to jump short distances when disturbed or during mating.
BIOLOGY
Springtails have various amounts of generations per year. They overwinter primarily as resting adults below the soil surface. They are most commonly found in moist, cool conditions and heavy organic soils, and are especially active in May and June. Springtails feed on decomposing organic matter, including plant debris, fungi, algae, and molds. Some species feed with piercing-sucking mouthparts while others feed with complex, highly specialized mouthparts.
SYMPTOMS
- Tiny holes or pits on seedling leaves.
- Feeding damage on roots.
- Loss of plant vigor.
- Reduced germination.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
Springtails rarely cause economic injury.
- Reduce moisture and excess organic matter in grow boxes and tunnels.
INSECTICIDES
No thresholds have been developed, but control measures are rarely needed.