Springtail

I'm getting very interested in springtails (Collembola), tiny wingless insects that mainly live in soil and leaf litter and play a major role in maintaining soil structure and health. This rather poor photograph is of a springtail that is only just over 1mm long - it's a first attempt at such an extreme macro shot and there are many improvements to be made! However, it does show the actual organ, the furca, that enables them to jump some distance (well, a few centimetres!) and gives them their common name. This forked springing organ is held in tension, close to the abdomen, until it needs to be released to help the animal escape from threat...or possibly just for fun (I know I would!).