Snow fleas, what are they? - briefly
Snow fleas are minute, wingless springtails that emerge on snow surfaces in cold weather, moving by rapid jumps. They belong to the order Collembola and feed on algae, fungi, and organic debris found on melting snow.
Snow fleas, what are they? - in detail
Snow fleas are tiny, wingless insects belonging to the family Boreidae, commonly referred to as snow scorpionflies. They are most active on the surface of fresh snow during late winter and early spring, when temperatures hover just above freezing.
These insects measure 2–5 mm in length and possess flattened bodies adapted for moving across snow. Their legs are covered with fine hairs that increase surface area, allowing them to generate enough lift to glide just above the snow crust. The front pair of legs is elongated and resembles a scorpion’s pincers, used for grasping mates and, occasionally, for defense. The hind legs are strong and enable rapid jumping when disturbed.
Snow fleas feed primarily on algae, lichens, and microscopic mosses that grow on the snow surface. Their digestive system is specialized to extract nutrients from these low‑temperature food sources. Reproduction occurs in the brief snow‑free period; females lay eggs in moist soil or leaf litter, where larvae develop through several instars before emerging as adults to seek snow cover again.
Key characteristics:
- Taxonomic order: Mecoptera; family: Boreidae.
- Habitat: Snowfields, alpine meadows, and high‑latitude tundra.
- Activity period: Mid‑winter to early spring, during daylight hours.
- Adaptations: Hydrophobic setae on legs, reduced wings, cryptic coloration.
Distribution includes northern Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, primarily in regions where persistent snow persists for several weeks. Their presence indicates a stable snowpack and a functioning cold‑adapted microecosystem.