CollembolICE

CollembolICE is a citizen science research project—scientific research actively involving citizens, in this case, professionals who work in mountain and glacier environments. The project aims to collect data on the biodiversity and distribution of Alpine supraglacial springtails, the so-called “glacier fleas”, while engaging and raising awareness among high-altitude visitors about the study and monitoring of glacier-dwelling organisms.

The biodiversity of glacier fleas is highly specialized and rare, and still poorly understood on a global scale. Despite this, it is already under serious threat from global warming and the retreat of glaciers.

Background and Objectives

Glaciers are extreme and complex habitats that nevertheless support highly specialized, rare, and endemic biodiversity. Among these organisms are springtails, cold-adapted terrestrial arthropods, some of which—uniquely in the Alps—are adapted to live exclusively on ice, the “glacier fleas”. These organisms have been the focus of recent research (Valle et al. 2025), and studies conducted across 55 glacial sites in the Alps and the Apennines have revealed the presence of numerous new species (some recently described) with unique distribution patterns that may reflect the history of glaciation in Europe.

Due to their richness and abundance, springtails also play a crucial role in the food web and glacial ecology. While they serve as excellent biological indicators of glacial ecosystems and history, many of them are at risk of extinction before they can be adequately studied, making long-term monitoring a challenge. Alpine populations in particular may still hold important scientific discoveries. This is why everyone’s contribution is needed to sample, study, and monitor them—they are an essential part of the biological heritage of our glaciers.

Based on these considerations, CollembolICE has two main objectives:

• To expand and update existing databases on the biodiversity and distribution of glacier fleas.

• To initiate long-term monitoring of known populations, with the opportunity to further investigate their unique ecology.

Geographic Focus

Wherever glaciers and permanent ice patches are present—even if only of limited extent.

Target Audience

Organizations operating in mountainous regions and volunteers who frequent glaciers for professional reasons.
Participation in the project is individual, and voluntary.

Interested organizations are also welcome to support the project through free sponsorship and help promote it among their members. (go to JOIN THE PROJECT)