Stone Flies and Snow Fleas

Hopping through freezing temperatures, and food-less environments, Snow fleas produce proteins that act as a natural anti-freeze. The proteins used are referred to as AFPs. Scientists believe this could be used to help in preserving organs for transplants. This is so that they can keep it at temperatures low enough to freeze it, without frost damage occurring in the cells. They are not insects, arachnids, or crustaceans and instead belong to the Springtail family.

Snow Fleas are active all year, living on the surface of water, on soil, and snow, However, due to there small size and dark color, these are typically only seen during and after snowstorm due to color contrast. People reportedly see these all over forest floors, but I only found a patch of them living on an old tree stump at eagle pond. They are probably concentrated in this one spot due to decaying moss, grass and other river-bank life.

Springtails are named for the body part shared by all of them that hammers the ground, launching them away from potential predators. This is how they were carelessly named "Snow Fleas": because they hop around like fleas. There most common predators are birds and spiders. A bird will eat snow to hydrate itself, but scientists think there may be another reason. Birds may have evolved to accidentally eat snow fleas while they eat snow, helping to feed them. Spiders come out of below-snow hibernation on warm days for the soul purpose of preying on snow fleas.

I also found another insect there. I know it is in the order Plecoptera of Stoneflies. They are competing with snow fleas for detritus and organic matter, though, I originally assumed they were predatory. They emerge from creeks and ponds in late winter, and right now, these Stoneflies are preparing to mate. I could only identify this as a stone fly using InsectNet Forum. If you ever need to identify an insect, this is the place to go. I also found these in other places like Nobscot Scout Reservation and Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge. There is one thing in common though, and that is that I always find them in close proximity with brooks and streams.