Natural Curiosities: Where Do Bugs Go When It’s Cold

As temperatures dip in early autumn, when days shorten and shadows lengthen, ancient instinct kicks in and they begin to prepare for the cold, dark winter ahead. They feast until nearly bursting. When they can stuff themselves no more, their bodies languid and sluggish, they trudge off to seek shelter in a cozy, warm place. They’ll take refuge there until stirred by the brighter, longer days of spring, when hunger drives them out into the world. Their wings will stretch, fill with fluid, and strain to carry them off to feast again upon the blood of passersby.

We’re talking about mosquitos, of course. What, you were expecting bears?

At least in temperate climes in the northern hemisphere, September is when hikers and campers can leave DEET and mosquito nets at home and enjoy mountains and forests without fearing the dreaded buzzing of flying, biting nasties. There’s actually a handy way to tell, other than glancing at a calendar, when mosquitos