Sand fleas are small crustaceans in the Talitridae family that usually live near the Atlantic coast. Even though they’re called “fleas,” they aren’t actually insects, they’re more closely related to crabs and lobsters.
If you’re curious about what sand fleas really are, how they look, and how they’re different from “true” sand fleas (called Chigoes) and sand flies, keep reading. We’ll also cover how to identify sand tiny fleas and whether they pose any threat to people.
What are Sand Fleas?
Despite their name, sand fleas aren’t fleas at all and they’re not even insects. Sand fleas are actually tiny crustaceans, similar to crabs and lobsters, that are commonly found along the Atlantic coast.
Sometimes called beach fleas, sand hoppers, land shrimps, or beach hoppers, these little creatures are named for the way they jump like fleas, not because they bite like them.
There are over 90 types of sand fleas in the United States, and they live all along the coasts of North America. They’re usually found near the high-water mark, where they hide during the day in small tunnels they dig in the sand or under seaweed that washes up on shore.
Sand fleas are most active at night, which is when they come out to look for food. They usually eat small bits of organic material, like decaying plants and animals, found along the shore.
What Do Sand Fleas Look Like?
Sand fleas are tiny creatures, usually between a quarter of an inch to an inch long. One type, called the Atlantic sand hopper, can grow up to an inch.
They come in different colors, including gray, brown, and greenish shades. Sand fleas have several pairs of legs and long, thick antennae. You’ll also notice they have two small, forked parts sticking out from the back of their bodies. These unique features make sand fleas easy to identify if you spot one on the beach.
Where Do Sand Fleas Live?
The name “sand flea” gives a big clue they live in the sand. You can usually find sand fleas on sandy beaches close to the high-tide mark. During the day, they stay hidden, buried in the sand, but at night, they come out to look for food.
Sand fleas are common along the Atlantic coast, but there are different types in other places too. For example, one type, Orchestia gammarellus, comes from Europe but now also lives along some parts of the Atlantic coast. Sand fleas are also found along the Gulf coast and the Pacific coast. In fact, on some beaches near Santa Barbara, California, a type of sand flea helps clean up by eating washed-up kelp.
Sand Fleas vs. Chigoes (True Sand Fleas) and Sand Flies:
There’s often confusion around the name “sand fleas” because it’s used for different creatures, which can make things tricky. Here’s a quick look at the differences:
- Sand Flies: Unlike sand fleas, sand flies are actual flies, and yes, they do bite. They belong to a different group of insects entirely.
- Chigoes (True Sand Fleas): These are also called “true” sand fleas. They’re parasitic fleas known as Tunga penetrans and live in tropical regions like South America, the Caribbean, the West Indies, Africa, and Mexico. Chigoes are different from the harmless sand fleas found on U.S. coasts and can cause painful bites.
How to Identify Sand Fleas
Sand fleas can range from about a quarter of an inch to a full inch long, but most are usually smaller. They come in colors like gray, brown, and even greenish shades.
Here are a few key features to look for:
- Body Parts: Sand fleas have tiny leg-like parts, called appendages, and seven sections on their midsection (called thoracic segments). They also have two pairs of antennae, one is shorter and one is longer.
Different types of sand fleas have unique looks and sizes. Here are some common ones:
- Atlantic Sand Hopper: Found in the U.S., this sand flea can grow up to an inch long.
- European Sand Flea: About half an inch in length, this one has one antenna that’s stronger than the other.
- Long-Horned Sand Flea (Atlantic Sand Hopper, Americorchestia longicornis): Often found on the Atlantic coast of North America, this type has long antennae nearly as long as its body and can grow to about an inch.
- Common Sand Flea: Found along the eastern Atlantic seashore of the Americas and Europe, this one is smaller, about half an inch, with reddish-brown antennae and a blue tail.
Lifecycle:
Female sand fleas carry their eggs in small pouches on their underside. After about one to three weeks, the eggs hatch, and tiny juvenile sand fleas emerge looking just like mini adults.
The young sand fleas leave the pouch within one to eight days to start growing on their own. They live up to 18 to 21 months, but most live about a year.
Sand fleas are most active at night, when they come out to eat bits of decayed plants and animals along the shore. During the day, they hide by digging into the sand or finding shelter under washed-up seaweed.
Are Sand Fleas Dangerous?
Sand fleas are not dangerous to humans. Even though they’re often blamed for itchy bites, the bites people get on beaches usually come from other animals.
Do Sand Fleas Bite Humans?
Yes, sand fleas can bite humans, especially a type called Tunga penetrans, which feeds on a variety of hosts, including people.
- Where They Bite: Sand fleas usually bite around the feet and toes since these areas often come into contact with them when walking on the beach.
- Male Sand Fleas: Male sand fleas will bite to feed, mate, and then die shortly afterward.
- Female Sand Fleas: Female sand fleas are more troublesome. After mating, they burrow into the skin, usually in the feet, and attach to a blood vessel to keep feeding. When they burrow, they leave the tip of their back end sticking out of the skin, which allows them to release waste and lay eggs. If you notice a brown tip sticking out of your skin, it could be a female sand flea, so it’s a good idea to check after a beach day.
- Egg Laying: Once under the skin, the female sand flea begins filling with hundreds of eggs. This is usually when people start feeling pain, itching, and discomfort as the flea grows in size under the skin.
What Do Sand Flea Bites Look Like?
When sand fleas bite humans, the marks usually look like small red dots. You can often find these bites on the ankles, feet, or lower legs.
Here’s what to expect:
- Appearance: The fleas bites may raise bumps and welts on the skin.
- Clusters: Instead of just one bite, you might see them in clusters, forming random groups of red spots.
Treatment:
If you notice redness and itching from bites, you can take antihistamine pills or use an anti-itch ointment to help soothe your skin.
How to Get Rid of Sand Fleas?
Sand fleas usually don’t come home with you after a beach trip. They love their sandy homes and are unlikely to travel far. If you’re not digging in the sand or gathering up pebbles, you might not even see these tiny jumpers since they’re most active at night when most people aren’t on the beach.
Sand fleas are harmless and there’s no need for insecticides to get rid of them. However, it’s a good idea to know if there are chigoe flies or sand fleas where you’re visiting. These can cause problems, so you might want to avoid areas where they’re common.
You can use bug spray or oils with lemon and eucalyptus to help keep sand flies and other tiny pests away.
Can You Eat Sand Fleas?
Yes, you can eat sand fleas. They are edible, just like other types of seafood. However, it’s really important to cook and clean them properly before you eat them. This helps to get rid of any parasites and makes sure they are safe to eat.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, sand fleas are tiny insects that can create problems for both people and animals. But don’t worry! there are ways to keep them away from your home and property. By taking some simple steps to prevent sand fleas, you can help protect your space.