Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of two springtails (family Isotomidae) from soil in the Northern Black Forest National Park, Germany. They are 1-2 mm in size. A bristle worm is at right. Springtails are primitive insects that have existed unchanged for millions of years, and are considered living fossils. They live mainly in leaf litter, and feed on decaying organic matter. They take their name from their ability to flick their tails downwards, causing them to leap in the air and avoid predators. Magnification: x100: 1 (at 15x10cm image size)