Surprising Survivors of the Cold: Insects in Winter

Written By Henry Myers, Associate Director of Forest Education

This article is for all the bug lovers out there! If that opening line made you hesitate, don’t worry—you’re not alone. But stick with me, and I’ll show you why winter is actually a great time to learn about and observe insects.

Sure, you won’t see dazzling dragonflies zipping over ponds, but on the bright side, you won’t have to swat away mosquitoes either. Wondering what’s hiding under that log? Go ahead and take a peek—without the risk of disturbing a yellowjacket nest this time of year.

At first glance, the winter forest may seem empty of insects. So, where do they all go? Unlike monarch butterflies and a few dragonflies that migrate, most insects remain here, just in different stages of metamorphosis. Here are a few fascinating examples I’ve found at the Nature Center this winter:

Wingless Moths Laying Eggs

Yes, you read that right—a moth without wings! And she lays eggs in December?! The wingless females wait for the winged males to find them, mate, and then die. In early spring, the eggs hatch, and the larvae begin feeding on the leaves of their host plant.

Pictured: Wingless Moth and her freshly laid eggs. Photo taken off our Bunny Trail.

*All photos from this article were taken with an Apexel lens attachment by Henry Myers.*

Close up photos of the same eggs. Not for the faint of heart!

This time with Henry’s finger for scale!

This might be a tough one to spot, but with a trained and persistent eye you can find lots of these hidden treasures on our trails.

Long-Horned and Click Beetles as Larvae

These beetles spend the winter in their larval stage, taking shelter beneath the bark of fallen trees. If temperatures drop below freezing, their blood contains a natural antifreeze that prevents ice from forming inside them.

Don’t be afraid if you stumble upon one of these!

This larva was found under some freshly peeled back bark from a rotting log. Larvae can often be found under tree bark for their over-wintering.

We highly encourage you to try breaking into any logs you find on our trails. Just be sure to return everything to where you found it!

Swallowtail Butterflies in Chrysalis Form

In the fall, swallowtail caterpillars seek out a sheltered spot and transform into chrysalises. Their camouflage is incredible, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings until spring.

Found under a branch right by our garden!

Overwintering Queen Southern Yellowjacket

In late summer, a newly mated yellowjacket queen finds a protected place—often beneath a log—to overwinter. She stays dormant until early spring, when she awakens and begins building a new nest all on her own.

Notice the two compound eyes on either side and the three simple eyes in the center!

So, the next time you’re out on the trail this winter, keep an eye out for small bumps along branches—they might be insect eggs or pupae. And if you’re feeling adventurous, roll over a few logs. Again, just be sure to return them to their original position when you’re done!