Arctic Springtail
Megaphorura arctica
About Arctic Springtail
A white, eyeless springtail that lives in soil and under stones in the High Arctic. It lacks a furcula and cannot jump. It survives extreme cold through cryoprotective dehydration, losing most of its body water before freezing.
Did You Know?
This springtail can survive temperatures down to minus 30 degrees Celsius by dehydrating itself until it contains almost no free water.
How to Identify Arctic Springtail
Arctic Springtail (Megaphorura arctica) belongs to the order Collembola, family Onychiuridae. Adults typically measure 1-2 mm.
Arctic Springtail Habitat
Arctic Springtail is found in tundra & arctic habitats, particularly across Svalbard, Arctic Canada, Greenland, northern Scandinavia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Arctic Springtail Diet and Feeding
Arctic Springtail has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Arctic Springtail Found?
Arctic Springtail can be found in Svalbard, Arctic Canada, Greenland, northern Scandinavia, where it inhabits tundra & arctic environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Arctic Springtail can be found
Is Arctic Springtail Dangerous?
Arctic Springtail is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Arctic Springtail Role in Nature
Arctic Springtail plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Arctic Springtail are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Arctic Springtail
What does Arctic Springtail look like?
The Arctic Springtail typically measures 1-2 mm.
Where is Arctic Springtail found?
The Arctic Springtail is found in Svalbard, Arctic Canada, Greenland, northern Scandinavia and typically inhabits tundra & arctic environments.
What does Arctic Springtail eat?
The Arctic Springtail has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Arctic Springtail dangerous to humans?
The Arctic Springtail is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Arctic Springtail?
This springtail can survive temperatures down to minus 30 degrees Celsius by dehydrating itself until it contains almost no free water.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Arctic Springtail (Megaphorura arctica). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-springtail
MLA:
"Arctic Springtail." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/arctic-springtail.