Snow Flea

Leaf litter, soil, and on the surface of snow in wooded areas during late winter/early spring.

Feed on decaying organic matter, bacteria, fungi, algae, and microscopic spores.

They are wingless hexapods that use a specialized tail-like appendage called a furcula to jump. They are often seen in late winter on the snow surface due to an internal antifreeze-like protein.

Harmless to humans, pets, and structures. They are beneficial to the ecosystem as decomposers that help break down organic material and enrich the soil.