noun
springtail
A tiny wingless insect of the order Collembola, known for its jumping ability. Often found in soil or leaf litter.
湿った土の中には跳び虫がたくさんいる。
There are many springtails in the damp soil.
Compound of 跳び (tobi, 'jumping', from 跳ぶ) and 虫 (mushi, 'insect'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the name directly describes the insect's jumping behavior.