What is glacier flea?

Glacier fleas, also known as snow fleas, are tiny, black, wingless insects that inhabit ice and snow. They are typically found in high-altitude regions, such as the mountains of North America and Europe, where they feed on algae that grow on snow and ice.

Despite their name, glacier fleas are not true fleas and are not related to them. They belong to a group of insects called springtails, which are classified under the order Collembola. Unlike true fleas, they do not bite humans or transmit diseases.

Glacier fleas have adapted to their cold environment by producing a type of protein that acts as an antifreeze, allowing them to survive in temperatures as low as -30°C (-22°F). They can also jump up to 100 times their body length, which helps them move around on the snow quickly.

While glacier fleas are not harmful to humans or animals, they play an important role in the ecosystem by providing a food source for other insects and small animals that live in high-altitude regions.