Yes, snow fleas are actually a real thing in Colorado

Have you ever seen millions of tiny dark blue or black jumping dots in the snow in Colorado? Those tiny winter jumpers are most likely snow fleas! 

Snow fleas are also commonly known as springtails. Despite their name, snow fleas are not actually fleas – they're a hexapod, but not considered an insect. In fact, while they can't even bite you, they're great for the environment thanks to their ability to break down organic material.

These tiny dark blue or black critters are also wingless, meaning they are completely incapable of flying. Snow fleas move by walking or jumping, and they love to play in the snow.  

The Farmer's Almanac describes the critters as "small, about two to three millimeters in length, and blue-black in color."

They are so small that clusters of them are often mistaken for large specks of dirt in the snow. Snow fleas are usually found living in the snow or soil munching away on decaying vegetation, including fungal spores and algae.

And thanks to special anti-freeze proteins, snow fleas are able to survive in extremely cold winter temperatures.

If you happen to spot a cluster of these animals, let them be and know they're likely busy serving an important role in Colorado's ecosystem.