Insects overcome many obstacles in the Tundra.
The tundra is a vast expanse of frozen landscape known for being home to the arctic fox and few other mammals throughout various parts of the world. What many people might not know, however, is that insects also survive and prosper in this freezing land mass. Insects including mosquitoes, blow flies and weevils rely on survival techniques, body chemistry, and feeding patterns to make it through the brutal conditions.
Mosquito
The mosquito is one insect that survives in the tundra. Mosquitoes use the chemical glycerol to prevent them from freezing. The glycerol replaces water in the insect's body and acts like antifreeze to protect the insect. The Arctic is a prime area for the mosquito because in the summer the Arctic's melting water forms wetlands. These wetlands include organic matter and are ideal for the mosquito to eat and reproduce.
Arctic Springtail
The Arctic springtail, also known as the snow flea, is a tiny six-legged insect that grows up to 1/3-inch long. Springtails lack wings and are named for their ability to jump when in danger. Their body color can be pale brown, white, purple or red and some have patterns. Springtails feed on organic waste on the tundra's forest floor. They survive the freezing temperatures by dehydrating into a small husk. Then, when temperatures warm during the summer, the springtails re-hydrate and continue activities including searching for food.
Plant Sucking Weevil
A relative of the beetle, the plant sucking weevil can grow up to 3/4-inch in length. The weevil survives by feeding on living or dead plant tissues in the tundra during the summer months. Plant sucking weevils are characterized by a snout protruding from the head and also distinctive antennae. The insect's larval stages are yellow or white in color.
Blow Fly
The blow fly is a 1/2-inch insect that survives in the tundra by feeding on dead carcasses. It has a metallic olive-green body with black legs and an orange abdomen. The blow fly is attracted to carrion, nectar, and dead organic matter that it uses for both food and reproduction.
Tundra Bumble Bee
The tundra bumble bee survives in the tundra in part due to their coat of hair. The insect's coat protects them from losing heat, much like a polar bear. The tundra bumble bee also keeps warm by shivering its flight muscles. The shivering generates heat, which is captured in the coat and helps to maintain a body temperature between 68 and 86 degrees.
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