One type is a long-bodied form called 'podurid' that lives mostly on land but can be found on the water as well. The second type is a potato-shaped form less than 1 mm long called 'globular' springtails. Podurids eat decaying plants, algae and molds. They help break down decaying plants in the pond. Globular springtails eat pollen grains and tiny particles of plants or animals floating on the water's surface.
Springtails have a forked structure on the fourth segment of their abdomen used for movement.
This structure is held or locked into two small appendages on the third abdominal segment. When disturbed, the forked structure is released like a spring so that the springtail springs high into the air. The springtail then lands on the water or land. They are so tiny and light that they land on the surface of the water without sinking. Their lightness allows them to land on stones without hurting themselves.