On June 5, 2025, Satellite Beach, Florida, has become the talk of the town—not for its sun-soaked shores but for a curious spectacle. A viral video has captured an extraordinary swarm of sand fleas on the beach, causing quite a stir among locals and beachgoers alike. Denise Derrick-Wright, who filmed the striking scenes, noted that in her 45 years of living there, she had never seen such a massive number of these crustaceans in one spot.
Curious beachgoers are no doubt wondering about these creatures. Dr. Case Tedder, a family medicine physician with Orlando Health, has stepped in to clarify. He explains that the so-called sand fleas are not true fleas at all; they are small crustaceans related to crabs. These critters do not bite and are harmless to humans. Instead, their jumping behavior and burrowing habits give them their name. Dr. Tedder even emphasizes their ecological role, stating that sand fleas are beneficial for both marine life and fishermen.
The Buzz Behind the Video
The video, recorded on May 27, showcases thousands of sand fleas enthusiastically burrowing into the sand. Many locals recall a time when they played with these tiny creatures as children, making the recent influx all the more unusual. It turns out that the large population of sand fleas is a natural occurrence, often spurred on by environmental factors such as storms. After a recent storm, the visibility of these creatures skyrocketed, prompting the local fascination.
Interestingly, sand fleas are often mistaken for biting insects. While they might share a name with true fleas, which can lead to itching and irritation, the truth is far less alarming. The real culprits for skin irritation at Florida beaches are often sand flies—small insects that can indeed bite, leaving unpleasant welts, according to Dr. Tedder. It’s essential to distinguish between these two species to avoid unnecessary panic.
Understanding Sand Fleas
According to Orkin, sand fleas belong to the family Talitridae, which makes them crustaceans, not insects. Typically measuring about ¼ inch long, these critters come in colors ranging from gray to brown. Sand fleas are well adapted to sandy environments, often hiding under rocks or decaying vegetation. They are predators of small marine animals but pose no danger to humans or pets.
These animals are most active at night when they forage for food. During the day, they prefer to stay buried in the sand to avoid disturbances. Given their preference for coastal environments, it’s unlikely for one to unwittingly bring them home—unless you pack a beach bag full of sand for a sandy souvenir!
In summary, the buzz surrounding the sand flea phenomenon at Satellite Beach is a reminder of the quirks of nature. As locals marvel at these fascinating creatures, it’s a great opportunity to educate ourselves about the differences between harmless sand fleas and potentially irritating biting midges or sand flies. So, the next time you find yourself on the sandy shores of Florida, remember to enjoy these little crustaceans—after all, they bring a bit of life to our treasured beaches.