Nature Fact

Winter, life in the cold season  -  Most insects lie dormant, buried in whatever nook or cranny offers them the best protection from cold and predators.   Many moths and butterflies overwinter as pupae although some adults, such as those of the Brimstone and Tortoiseshell butterflies, also overwinter successfully. The key to the survival of many so-called ‘cold hardy’ insects lies in the conversion of blood sugar to glycerol which acts as a diluted anti-freeze thereby protecting vital tissues against prolonged sub-zero temperatures.