Orchesella cincta is a species of springtail present in North America and Europe.

The specific name cincta means "belted" and refers to the distinctive colouration of the third abdominal segment.

[4] It is one of the most common species in the British Isles where it is known from multiple locations in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland.

[5] Springtails moult throughout their life and in this species, feeding and reproductive instars alternate.

[6] When circumstances are adverse (dry conditions, low temperatures), the reproductive phases can be postponed until conditions improve, at which time the start of reproductive activity is synchronised across the population; this is a successful strategy, the population surge allowing this species to make the most of the available resources.