Snow Flea
Scientific Name: Hypogastrura nivicola
Order & Family: Poduromorpha: Hypogastruridae
Size: 1.5 to 2.5 millimeters

Natural Habitat
Leaf litter, soil, and on the surface of snow near the base of trees.
Diet & Feeding
Consumes decaying organic matter, fungal spores, algae, and bacteria.
Behavior Patterns
Active during winter; they appear on snow to find food as it melts. They jump using a specialized tail-like appendage called a furcula.
Risks & Benefits
Harmless to humans and pets. They are beneficial decomposers that help recycle nutrients into the soil.
Identified on: 12/31/2025