Springtail. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a springtail. The order Poduromorpha is one of the three main groups of springtails (Collembola), tiny hexapods related to insects. Springtails are the most primitive insects, dating back 300 million years in the fossil record. There are about 1500 species. The common name derives from the habit of some species of using their tails to spring into the air; this species lives underground, however, and bears no springing appendage. Springtails have no wings and their eyes are primitive ocelli, consisting of 6 to 8 light-sensitive cells. Magnification: x 200 at 8x10 inch size.