What are Snow Fleas?
Snow fleas are not really fleas, but belong to a group of primitive insects called springtails (Collembola). They are found on every continent, and are the only insect (with the possible exception of a few bird parasites) that can be found near either pole. Typically less than a millimeter long, they look like black, oval-shaped specks to the unaided eye. They are most easily noticed when they gather by the thousands in a small area to feed on pollen, spores, algae, or bacteria on the surface of the snow. Despite their name, they cannot harm people or pets, and actually play an important role in building soil. Olympic Jumpers Snow fleas, like all springtails, have an unusual appendage (a furcula) that folds under the abdomen and can be used to suddenly propel the insects several inches. This means a snow flea can jump about one hundred times its own length. That is a feat equivalent to a grown man jumping the length of two football fields! Living in the Snow All insects are exothermic,
