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Entomology (Study of Bugs)/swarm of tiny bugs - looks like paint or oil

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Expert: Eric R. Eaton - 8/23/2009


Question

grey-blue-purple bugs
We found a huge swarm of tiny bugs on our wet driveway this afternoon. At first, we thought it was a slick of oil from the car, then we were confused and thought someone spilled paint on the driveway. It was only when we got very close that we saw that they were tiny, tiny bugs, so many clustered so close that it looked like a single, solid patch on the driveway. They are grey-blue in color, and look almost like some kind of furry mold. When you get close, you can see that they are very active, moving all over each other and even hopping. They are incredibly small, and look like thin little lines.

We live in southern Vermont, and it's been raining nonstop for two days, at the end of a long wet summer. The patches run the entire length of a car.  I honestly have never seen anything like this. Can you identify them? Are they a concern? And if so, what should we do?

I can't get an up-close photo; the best I can do is get an edge of one of the patches.

Thanks so much for any information you can provide.


Answer
Alison:

No worries, you are describing harmless creatures called "springtails," in the order Collembola.  They are so primitive that scientists now consider them to be "non-insect hexapods."  Contrary to the name, not all species can "spring."  They are among the most abundant animals on the planet, and some species occur on the surface film of standing water.  They are highly moisture-dependent, and are decomposers of decaying organic matter.

You can see lots of images of springtails at:

http://www.bugguide.net

and

http://www.flickr.com (just search on "springtails")

and more information can be had at any ".edu" website that addresses springtails.  There is definitely no need to do anything about them.  When the puddle dries they will disperse or die.

Hope this helps.  Thanks for sharing your observation!  Oh, even if they get in the dog's water dish, no problem.

Eric

Eric R. Eaton

Expertise

I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.

Experience

Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.

Organizations
Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers

Publications
Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.

Education/Credentials
Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.

Past/Present Clients
Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.

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