Glacier springtails (Desoria saltans). Often called glacier fleas,these arthropods are actually springtails. They are found on glaciers and snowfields in the Alps,feeding on windblown plant matter and algae. They can survive at temperatures well below zero degrees Celsius,and die at temperatures above 12 degrees Celsius. Their survival is due to an anti-freeze-like protein that prevents ice crystals forming in their body tissues. Photographed on the Vadret da Morteratsch (Morteratsch Glacier),Switzerland | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Alean, Dr. Juerg |
Taille de l’image : | 5616 px × 3744 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |