Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > General/curiosity insects > Insects without obvious wings: less than ½ inch long > Snow flea
Snow flea
Hypogastrura nivicola
Jeff Hahn, Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota
Size: 1/8 inch long
Description: Tiny black insects that can jump.
Where/When: Found during late winter and early spring on top of the snow, often in large numbers. They are commonly found near the base of trees.
Significance: They do not bite people, injure plants, or damage property.
