Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

LordEarArse t1_ix31l35 wrote

First there are billions of insects and billions of individuals will not survive winter.

Different species adopt different strategies to get through. Some rely on their eggs to carry the species on; they lay them in sheltered places: under tree bark, leaf litter, underground. Some attempt to find sheltered places to hibernate. Some allow their entire population to die off leaving only the fertile queen to make it to Spring.

331

NeilOffTheYoungOnes t1_ix4dx36 wrote

Some, like the arctic woolly-bear caterpillars, just spend most of their life frozen. Just thawing out for one month a year to eat a bit, before eventually very briefly being a moth.

138

Jeramus t1_ix3br9r wrote

Some insects like butterflies also migrate to warmer climates in winter.

113

allsystemsslow t1_ix47zja wrote

This is why it’s good to leave your leaves until 7 consecutive 50 f degree days in the spring.

32

Fthewigg t1_ix4fgza wrote

I just heard this for the first time. I wanted to do a final mow to clean up the remaining leaves in the yard before winter and I was advised not to for this reason. The early cold sealed the deal: you’re safe from me, bugs.

33

Jimbo--- t1_ix6b97m wrote

I'll pick up and mulch the leaves on my lawn, but leave all my planting areas alone. I've got a few acres of woods that the bugs can hang out in, too. The leaves help protect your plants over the winter, too.

3

ImNotYourOpportunity t1_ix49a46 wrote

Why is that? Do they live in the leaves or something?

12

wishbonesma t1_ix4bnfb wrote

Yep, eggs and larvae often overwinter in fallen leaves, especially if you have trees native to your area.

17

Foxs-In-A-Trenchcoat t1_ix4la3l wrote

Yes, if it's at all possible, you should leave a pile of leaves on a corner of your property for native insects to hibernate in.

11

ImNotYourOpportunity t1_ix6btau wrote

I hate insects but I do understand their contribution to the eco system so I shall, moving forward, leave out some leaves for my insect homies. Granted, said pile will be far from my actual house but I got a decent amount of yard.

11