What do snow fleas eat? - briefly
Snow fleas subsist primarily on microscopic algae and bacteria that proliferate on the snow surface, occasionally ingesting fine detritus such as fungal spores. Their feeding activity concentrates on the thin nutrient film that forms during melt periods.
What do snow fleas eat? - in detail
Snow flea species, most commonly members of the springtail order Collembola, survive on the thin liquid layer that forms on snow surfaces during early winter. This microfilm contains microscopic algae, particularly snow‑bound chlorophytes such as Chloromonas spp., and cyanobacterial filaments that photosynthesize at low temperatures. The insects scrape these organisms from the ice using their ventral furcula and mouthparts, extracting cellular nutrients rich in proteins and carbohydrates.
In addition to photosynthetic microbes, snow fleas ingest fungal spores that accumulate in the meltwater. The spores provide essential lipids and sterols required for membrane fluidity in subzero conditions. Detrital particles, including decaying plant fragments and pollen that become trapped in the snowpack, supplement the diet with polysaccharides and nitrogenous compounds.
Feeding behavior varies among species. Arctic and alpine representatives, such as Boreus spp., primarily graze on the algal film, while temperate forms like Hypogastrura nivicola show a broader preference, incorporating fungal material and organic debris. All species rely on a hygroscopic feeding strategy: they draw liquid from the snow surface into a buccal cavity, where enzymes break down cell walls before absorption.
Key nutritional sources:
- Snow‑surface algae (chlorophytes, cyanobacteria) – primary source of carbohydrates and proteins.
- Fungal spores – source of lipids, sterols, and additional nitrogen.
- Detritus (plant fragments, pollen) – supplemental polysaccharides and minerals.
- Bacterial biofilm – minor contribution of amino acids and vitamins.
The combination of these resources enables snow fleas to maintain metabolic activity throughout winter, supporting growth, reproduction, and the production of protective cuticular lipids that prevent freezing.