Most people think of these small creatures as 

"insects", but they are now classified separately

in the Class Hexapoda. They are primitive, wing-

less arthropods with six legs, enclosed 

mouthparts and curious tail structures. The 

collembolans are called "springtails" because the 

tail is is bent underneath and held by a small catch

that, when released, flips the tail like a spring, 

causing the animal to jump long distances. 

Diplurans have two tails: two long tails in the

Family Campodeidae, and two claw-like tails in 

the Family Iapygidae (not to be confused with

earwigs, which are true insects). 

8/01