Students at Woodrow Wilson Community High couldn't believe that insects could live in our cold climate in the winter. But once they started looking for these cold weather critters, they have been finding all types of insects that not only survive but thrive in our harsh winter weather. Snow fleas , snow scorpion flies and winter crane flies have all been found in our region during the coldest winter months.
Students look for and collect insects to identify in class.
Insects have even been found outside of their currently reported range. Our winter insects discoveries have been passed on to winter insect specialist, George W. Byers , Phd, Professor Emeritus at the University of Kansas in Lawrence for positive identification. Dr. Byers has also provided our school with a large amount of information concerning these interesting insects. Snow fleas often are found in winter on the surface of the snow. The snow scorpion flies are an interesting group of insects that can be found outside during the winter months.