How Do Insects Survive Freezing Temperatures?

Insects survive freezing temperatures in a variety of ways: burrowing underground and hibernating, living under ice as larvae and even producing chemicals that protect their bodies against freezing. In fact, insects produce their own antifreeze called glycerol, which was once used an ingredient in antifreeze for cars. Partial dehydration of an insect's cells also protect against freezing.

More about how insects survive cold temperatures:

• Like other animals, insects sometimes enter a dormancy period known as diapause, relying on external signals, such as a change in the length of a day, to determine when to emerge from the dormant state.


• Cockroaches and other insects often prefer to spend their winters in the warmth of people's homes.


• Mosquitoes have been known to survive being trapped in airplane landing gear for several hours, even at temperatures as low as minus-58° Fahrenheit (minus-50° Celsius).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do insects survive freezing temperatures?

Insects have developed various strategies to survive the cold. Some produce a natural antifreeze called glycerol, which lowers the freezing point of their bodily fluids. Others undergo a process called diapause, a state of suspended development that conserves energy. Certain species find shelter and enter a dormant state, while some migrate to warmer areas to escape the cold.

What is insect antifreeze and how does it work?

Insect antifreeze is typically a substance like glycerol or antifreeze proteins that insects produce to prevent ice crystal formation in their tissues. Glycerol works by lowering the freezing point of bodily fluids, while antifreeze proteins bind to small ice crystals to inhibit their growth and prevent damage to cells, allowing insects to survive temperatures below freezing.

Can all insects produce their own antifreeze?

Not all insects can produce their own antifreeze. The ability to synthesize substances like glycerol or antifreeze proteins is specific to certain species that have adapted to cold environments. Insects that cannot produce antifreeze must rely on other survival strategies, such as seeking shelter or migrating to warmer climates during winter months.

What is diapause in insects, and why is it important?

Diapause is a state of arrested development and reduced metabolic activity that allows insects to survive unfavorable conditions, such as extreme cold. During diapause, growth and reproduction are halted, and energy consumption is minimized. This adaptation is crucial for survival, as it enables insects to endure periods when food is scarce and temperatures are lethal.

Do insects remain active in cold weather?

Most insects become less active or completely inactive during cold weather. Their metabolic rates decrease to conserve energy, and they may seek out microhabitats that offer protection from the elements. However, some cold-tolerant species, like the snow flea, remain active and can be seen on the surface of snow, even in winter.

How do insects know when to prepare for winter?

Insects often rely on environmental cues to prepare for winter, such as changes in temperature, daylight hours, and humidity. These cues trigger physiological changes that ready them for the cold, such as the production of antifreeze compounds or the onset of diapause. This preparation is critical for their survival during the freezing months.