World’s smallest acrobats? Maybe! Meet the globular springtail, one of the fastest backflipping animals on Earth. Using a spring-loaded tail called a furca, they can launch into the air and spin at an astonishing 𝟑𝟔𝟖 𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 to escape danger. Tonight, Adrian Smith, head of our Evolutionary Biology & Behavior Research Lab, joins PBS’ @sci__nc to spotlight these bouncy critters. Don’t miss Unusual Science, premiering Thursday, September 4 at 8:30 PM. And get ready to hop

Step right up to see tiny springtails spin through the air with the greatest of ease! In ponds and streams, they skyrocket out of the reach of hungry insects like water striders by slapping a tail-like appendage against the water. And you won’t believe how they stick the landing. | Deep Look • PBS

3.3K views · 31 reactions | Are springtails bouncing around and making your summer less fun. Check out our steps for control. | Solutions Pest & Lawn | Facebook