Are snow fleas real, and do they bite? Why they’re not a danger
Marina Johnson and Sarah Moore, USA TODAY NETWORK
Snowy conditions and cold weather could reveal springtails, ancient arthropods typically found on snow piles during the winter.
The tiny “bugs” are known for their haphazard jumping, which has earned them the nickname “snow flea,” but don’t worry — they won’t bite or make you itch.
On Sunday, Jan. 11, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services shared a video on Facebook showing springtails bouncing around in eastern Massachusetts.
“These tiny, bouncing specks you see hopping across the snow are springtails, ancient little arthropods that have been around since before dinosaurs were a thing,” the U.S. FWS said. “They show up on snow because cold temperatures slow them down just enough for us to notice their chaotic parkour routine.”
Though one would assume the millimeters-long arthropods would succumb to freezing temperatures like most insects do, springtails produce an antifreeze protein that allows them to thrive during the winter, according to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.
What does a springtail look like? The energetic ‘snow flea’
Snow fleas — or Hypogastruna nivicola of the order Collembola — are 4-10 millimeters long and have a 4-6 segment body with two anntenae and six legs.
They are flightless, though they can jump quickly, especially when disturbed or threatened, according to Griffin Pest Solutions. Their appearances may vary from whitish to gray or black, and they are often confused with fleas, but are a completely different species.
What makes snow fleas jump?
To jump, springtails use a fork-shaped appendage, called the furcula located underneath their body, as a spring. They also use another appendage, called the collophore, to land.
Their movements may appear chaotic, but a 2022 study by The University of Maine showed springtails can aim and stick a landing with accuracy.
“Turns out, those funny appendages make springtails into nature’s precision strike missiles,” the University’s study said. “Springtails use the furcula to their body angle and the speed during takeoff, as well as the angle of the body posture in midair. Then, they use the water-loving properties of their collophore to achieve a near-perfect landing, touching down on their undersides nearly 85% of the time and anchoring to avoid bouncing.”
What do springtails eat?
Springtails eat microscopic algae, bacteria, fungi or other decaying plant matter, according to MSU’s Plant and Pest Diagnostics. They are harmless to humans (although they may be a nuisance if found indoors), and they help decompose organic material.
What is the difference between a flea and a springtail?
A main difference between fleas and springtail is their body shape.
Springtails have rounded, soft bodies, while fleas have bodies with flattened sides. Fleas are hard-shelled, making it difficult to kill them, according to the University of Minnesota’s Extension. In addition, fleas bite while springtails don’t.
Approximately 700 different species of springtails live in North America, according to MSU.
Why do snow fleas appear in winter?
Snow fleas become more noticeable in melting snow in late winter or during a warm spell as they move up through snow and hop around eating, according to the University of Minnesota. They are present throughout the year and can be found in soil or around the base of trees.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: What are snow fleas? Springtails more visible on the white surface
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/snow-fleas-real-bite-why-100206571.htmltyf
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