Snow Flea

Moist leaf litter and soil, often seen on the surface of snow during winter thaws

Decaying organic matter, fungi, algae, and bacteria

These are wingless hexapods (collembolans) that jump using a tail-like structure called a furcula. They are active in winter because they produce a glycine-rich anti-freeze protein in their bodies.

Harmless to humans, pets, and structures. They are beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers that help recycle nutrients into the soil.