Abstract

In February 2020, visitors to the Vladikavkaz Dendraria observed huge clusters of small jumping insects caused by a thaw in the snow. On external signs, they looked like fleas and this circumstance caused fear among visitors. Articles with frightening headlines and reviews appeared in the media. Dendraria employees noted in their publications that these are snow fleas that pose absolutely no danger to humans and pets. This study has been carried out to clarify the situation.

The study area is situated at the southern outskirts of the city of Vladikavkaz. Conventional methods of visual observation and photography of insects in nature and the laboratory, as well as their manual collection, were applied.

It was found that these Snow fleas belong to the Isotomidae family, species-Desoria hiemalis Schött, 1893.

This study is only the first step and it is certainly necessary to continue research on this phenomenon in subsequent years.

Keywords: Vladikavkaz Dendraria; Snow fleas; Springtails; Collembola order; Isotomidae family; Desoria hiemalis