They usually molt 4-5 times before reaching sexual maturity, and continue to molt periodically throughout the rest of their life. Unlike most other arthropods, springtails appear to have evolved in a cool climate. Their relative abundance in the soil tends to increase as the mean annual temperature decreases and their development is most rapid under cool, humid conditions. Common in grassy or wooded habitats worldwide. Ametabola lacking metamorphosis eggs hatch into young which are smaller than adults, but similar in appearance.
Springtails are part of the community of decomposers that break down and recycle organic wastes.
Includes the snowflea, Hypogastrura nivicola . These hexapods are elongate and lack scales on the upper surface of the body. The fourth abdominal segment is significantly longer than the others. Springtails may be extremely abundant in certain habitats. Unlike most other arthropods, springtails appear to have evolved in cool climates.