Snow Flea - Boreus hyemalis
Other Names
Description
It is not a flea, nor as small as a flea (about 4 mm long). This bizarre creature has long legs, vestigial wings and a head with a long, downward projecting beak (which has biting mouthparts at the end).
Habitat
Mossy places.
When to see it
Unlikely as it sounds, this is an insect that seems to thrive in cold conditions and can be observed hopping about in the snow.
Life History
It lives in moss.
UK Status
Widespread in Britain but uncommon or under recorded.
VC55 Status
This is the first record for Leicestershire and Rutland, although the species may be under recorded in our area.
Leicestershire & Rutland
UK Map
On the Leicestershire & Rutland map above, red = NatureSpot records, green = NBN records. You can add a dot to this map if you submit a wildlife sighting (with or without an image). You can also find out more about these species distribution maps on our Maps help page.
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