Snow Midge - Diamesa sp.

Spotted on a bridge beside a waterfall

comments (8)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Is snow midge the common name of the genus? Named after their early appearance? Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  I'm not sure if it's an official common name for the genus. They are often seen walking on snow, and I was taught that they are "snow midges" or "winter midges". Posted 6 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thank you. Winter insects peak my interest as they conceptually shouldn't even exist yet somehow they manage. We've come across some very weird examples so far. Like the single dragonfly species out of hundreds that can survive in the open, even when covered by snow. Or, a single moth species coming exactly at the very coldest phase of winter, the male being flightless. Posted 6 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      They are really fascinating! I see scorpionflies and snow fleas (Hypogastrura sp.) frequently in winter and it amazes me that they can endure the cold without freezing to death, while I'm layered in warm clothes and still cold. But, the idea of insect "antifreeze", which prevents crystal formation and the the production of glycerol just blows my mind. I love this stuff, it's so cool...*bug nerd alert*. Have you read about the midges in Antarctica? If not, prepare to be amazed. These midges produce large amounts of sugar in order to lower their freezing point. And, the midges dehydrate by releasing their liquids into it's surroundings. So, by having lots of sugar in its cells AND being dehydrated, it can't freeze!
      Posted 6 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Wow, what stunning adaptations! I had not heard of the Antarctic midges, that is insane. I do remember (poorly) another example from Antarctica, some larvae/caterpillar making use of the tiny window of summer to eat and grow, yet after this time window go back into a near-death state. It would typically 4 years to complete its cycle, sometimes longer. Playing the long game :) Posted 6 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Wow! I haven't read about that one. Nature is so cool!! Posted 6 years ago
        
        Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        YES! Can't believe I found it. You're going to love this one. And where normally my memory exaggerates spectacular facts, it was 7 years, not 4:
        
        Enjoy :) Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
        
        Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Incredible! The world's oldest caterpillar! This video is fantastic! Posted 6 years ago

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