What are 'snow fleas'? Vermonters discuss bugs you might notice in the winter slush

Burlington Free Press

Snow fleas are taking over Vermont. At least it feels that way when the bugs congregate in the white powder.

A Facebook user in the "I grew up in Vermont!" group posted a less-than-15 second clip of dozens of black bugs resting against the white snow, some of which are jumping.

"I’ve lived here my whole life and never seen something like this. What are these bugs!?" the user asked. Plenty of people joined in the conversation, commenting that the enigmatic dots were snow fleas.

Snow fleas are more interesting and important than their small size would indicate

Although we can't say the identity of the bugs has been officially confirmed, a quick Google search associates the "snow flea" moniker with springtails.

What are 'snow fleas'?

The springtail is a small insect "with nearly universal distribution in moist soil" according to the official website for the state of Maine. The description of the creature determined that they can be "occasional invaders or nuisance pets."

They like damp environments and eat fungi and algae, among other diet staples.

Snow fleas are a type of springtail "that may occur in very large numbers on the snow." The state government assured that you don't need to worry about snow fleas "as they do not cause any damage."

Also, they aren't actually fleas.

Are 'snow fleas' in Vermont?

A biologist from the Green Mountain State shared details on the creatures in 2008.

Bill Amos described the snow flea as "elusive but staggeringly populous." He described how the bug is able to launch into the air:

"Beneath its abdomen is one of the most extraordinary devices found in the animal world: a lever-like appendage held under tension by a two-hook clasp. It’s this appendage that gives the snow flea its incredible jumping ability."

Also, they don't bite, so you and Fido are OK, according to a post by Amber Kanuckel in Farmers' Almanac from 2018.

Kanuckel wrote they are able to withstand the snow because they create their own antifreeze "a protein that is rich in the amino acid glycine." They also show up when it gets a little less frigid because they "are rising to the surface of the snow in search of new food sources," Kanuckel said.

Contact Maleeha Syed at mzsyed@freepressmedia.com or 802-495-6595. Follow her on Twitter @MaleehaSyed89.

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