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His photo “Life Under Dead Wood” featured fruiting slime mould alongside a tiny, energetic springtail.

Scientists don’t fully understand exactly how they break down decaying organic matter, but new molecular research shows springtails actually have special genes for the job.

“Mushroom hunters are very aware of springtails being in their baskets,” Vardeh said as she brushed away some small insects.

Among the wonders of the natural world that few people have ever noticed: a semiaquatic springtail in motion.

But lizards aren’t the only ones with a jump trick: Another team described how tiny invertebrates called springtails use water droplets to cushion their landings as they make their own high-velocity leaps.