Snow Flea

Leaf litter, mosses, and soil surface; often visible on top of snow during winter thaws.

Decaying plant matter, fungi spores, and algae; primarily decomposers.

Active in winter due to an antifreeze-like protein in their bodies. They move by jumping using a tail-like appendage called a furcula. They often congregate in large numbers on snow surfaces near the base of trees.

They are harmless to humans, pets, and structures. They play a beneficial role in the ecosystem by breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.