Have you noticed a smattering of dark spots on your snow piles this winter?
Though it look like dirt, you may also be encountering some visiting springtails, or “snow fleas” as they are often called. For most of the year, the tiny bugs blend in among fallen leaves and soil, but Wisconsin’s snowy winter allows them to stand out for a few months each year.
Here’s what else to know about snow fleas, including when and where you can spot them:
What are snow fleas?
Snow fleas — or springtails — aren’t actually fleas, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. They’re classified as hexapods and are more closely related to crustaceans rather than insects, despite their appearance.
While the tiny creatures are flightless, they are known for a rapid, jumping motion they make using their tails. They use their built-in tails called furculas, which allows them to jump high into the air, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said in a Jan. 11 Facebook post.
When are snow fleas active?
Snow fleas are typically active during the late winter and early spring, according to Jan. 6, 2020 blog post from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. They can be found anywhere but thrive in humid environments — like soil, leaf litter and tree bases — the DNR says.
Springtails produce an antifreeze protein that allows them to survive in the winter, USA TODAY reported, citing the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.
Are snow fleas harmless?
Yes. Despite their name, springtails pose no risk to humans, according to the University of Minnesota Department of Entomology.
They’re actually helpful when it comes to enriching soil, as they can break down organic matter. But, snow fleas are attracted to maple syrup and can be pests during sap harvest, the department said.
Saleen Martin and Sarah Moore contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Does Wisconsin have snow fleas? What to know about the harmless springtails
Reporting by Cailey Gleeson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
