Photo: Red Flat Bark Beetle, Judy Gallagher
Judy Gallagher is an ASNV board member and a regular surveyor of local wildlife who also captures photos of what she sees, in particular the less common species. Here are some observations from her most recent survey.
It is challenging to find insects and spiders at this time of year. Yet some must still be around or we wouldn't have any next year. So how do insects and spiders, which are cold-blooded, survive the winter?
Monarch Butterfly, Judy Gallagher
One of the more obvious strategies is migrating to a warmer location. Prior to and during migration, Monarch Butterflies like this one seen at the Meadowood Pollinator Garden in August, almost double their body weight so that they have enough fat reserves to make the trip and survive the winter. The individuals who return here in the spring are descendants of those who flew south in the fall.
Eastern Boxelder Bug, Judy Gallagher
Some insects like the Eastern Boxelder Bug find a nice warm place like my house to spend the winter. Many of you have likely encountered them or Lady Beetles, Camel Crickets, or Stink Bugs inside your home.
Tan Jumping Spider, Judy Gallagher
But more insects and spiders spend the winter buried under leaf litter, under bark or anywhere that provides some protection from winter temperatures. Some overwinter as adults, while others overwinter in the pupal stage, as eggs, or as larvae. This Tan Jumping Spider has woven a silk "sleeping bag" under tree bark that will help insulate it for the winter.
Red Flat Bark Beetle, Judy Gallagher
It is important that insects or spiders keep their tissues from freezing as the ice crystallization would cause damage. The Red Flat Bark Beetle, which overwinters as an adult or larva, has evolved interesting strategies to allow it to survive winter temperatures. The beetle dehydrates, purges its gut of anything that could potentially freeze, and produces anti-freeze proteins and other chemicals that keep its tissues from freezing. It also enters diapause, in effect hibernating during the cold weather. Scientists are intrigued by this beetle's anti-freeze chemicals and are investigating using them as a non-toxic de-icing solution for aircraft or an ingredient that would prevent the re-crystallization of ice cream.
Common Checkered-Skipper Butterfly, Judy Gallagher
I decided to take a walk at Meadowood on December 15 to see if I could find any evidence of overwintering insects or spiders. While on my walk, I found this pristine Common Checkered-Skipper butterfly. I am sure it won't survive the winter, but I loved seeing a butterfly in December. Nature never ceases to surprise and delight me.
View all of Judy’s Observations from Meadowood articles here.