Thumbnail courtesy of Daniel Tompkins/Wikipedia. "So, if at some point during a springtime stroll with friends you notice some snow fleas, reassure them (the friends) by pointing out that, unlike fleas, these minuscule beasts don’t bite, and they won’t infest you," said Giroux. The springtails also serve as food for many small animals and "exercise a degree of control" over the fungus, bacteria and nematode populations present in the environment. IT AIDS IN DECOMPOSING MATTERīecause of their abundance in the soil, their feeding activities assist in decomposing organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available to plants, the entomologist said. The presence of the proteins in their bodies therefore prevents the critters from bursting if they swallow too much ice. They survive in cold temperatures notably thanks to anti-freeze proteins present in their blood," said Giroux. They breathe less, no longer eat, don’t grow, and have stopped breeding. "Since the start of winter, their metabolisms have been at rest. If springtails come up to the surface, they do so to feed on the algae, microorganisms and fungus spores that they find on the snow, Giroux says. ![]() They are wingless, and move by crawling or. When the temperature falls, they retreat to where they came from. Springtail Springtails are tiny, insects frequently found in houses, although they occur more commonly outdoors. Several-hundred individuals can be found in the same spot, composed of little clusters - similar to black dust - deposited on the snow. In the spring, when the temperature is around 0☌, they surface through the layers of snow, often at the base of trees or close to large rocks. WHY SNOW FLEAS APPEAR ON THE SNOWĪccording to Giroux, springtails live in soils that are rich in organic matter, as well as along bodies of water. This is a defence mechanism as it provides an escape from predators or humans who get too close. The furca can help it propel itself into the air and to vault long distances. ![]() For quicker mobility, it uses its furca, a fork-shaped appendix located under its abdomen. With no wings attached, the snow flea walks with the aid of claws on the end of its six feet. The springtail is dark blue and only measures 1-2 millimetres in length. SEE ALSO: Snow fleas to emerge as snow begins to melt in P.E.I. Habitat: Gravitate toward moisture-heavy areas such as landscaped yards and in kitchens or bathrooms. The critters are actually springtails - tiny arthropods that are close cousins of insects, belonging to the species Hypogastrura nivicola. Characteristics: Tiny whitish, blueish, or light gray to black. That's according to Marjolaine Giroux, an entomologist/educator at Montréal Insectarium. And it isn't interested in drawing blood from humans or pets, so it poses no harm. Achorutes roseus is one of the Springtails that can't jump. ![]() Despite its look and name, the snow flea isn't an actual flea or insect. Photos are for reference only and the actual plant you receive may differ from the photos.
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