springtail

springtail
    n 1: any of numerous minute wingless primitive insects
         possessing a special abdominal appendage that allows the
         characteristic nearly perpetual springing pattern; found in
         soil rich in organic debris or on the surface of snow or
         water [syn: {collembolan}, {springtail}]
    

Pintail \Pin"tail`\, n.
   1. (Zool.) A northern duck ({Dafila acuta}), native of both
      continents. The adult male has a long, tapering tail.
      Called also {gray duck}, {piketail}, {piket-tail},
      {spike-tail}, {split-tail}, {springtail}, {sea pheasant},
      and {gray widgeon}.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Zool.) The sharp-tailed grouse of the great plains and
      Rocky Mountains ({Pedioc[ae]tes phasianellus}); -- called
      also {pintailed grouse}, {pintailed chicken},
      {springtail}, and {sharptail}.
      [1913 Webster]
    

Springtail \Spring"tail`\ (-t[=a]l`), n. (Zool.)
   Any one of numerous species of small apterous insects
   belonging to the order {Thysanura}. They have two elastic
   caudal stylets which can be bent under the abdomen and then
   suddenly extended like a spring, thus enabling them to leap
   to a considerable distance. See {Collembola}, and {Podura}.
   [1913 Webster]