104 MAINE STATE COLLEGE 



ENTOMOLOGY. 



THE SNOW FLEA. 



Achorutes nivicola. Fitch. 



Order Thtsanura : Fam. Podurid^,. 



Specimens of the above insect were received from B. Walker 

 McKeen June 13, 1894. 



This is the blue black insect found in such great numbers upon 

 snow on warm winter days, and also at various seasons upon the 

 surface of pools. They often congregate by the thousands upon 

 tree trunks near the base. Those sent by Mr. McKeen were found 

 near the base of an elm tree. These insects hybernate in grass 

 about the base of trees and elsewhere, and about the bark of trees. 

 On warm days in winter they come out. The name Snoio Flea is 

 usually applied to the above species though we have found four 

 other species at Orono during the winter months upon snow. These 

 and related insects are known by the name of spring tails because 

 by means of a forked appendage attached to the abdomen they are 

 able to execute leaps. The color is blue black or dark lead color, 

 and the size from one-tenth to one-fifteenth of an inch. 



