Several British insects survive winter using freeze tolerance (controlled freezing of body fluids) or freeze avoidance/near-freezing dormancy (supercooling just below 0°C without freezing). These strategies are especially common in larvae, eggs, and pupae. Here are some well-documented UK examples: 1. Winter Moth (Operophtera brumata) One of the best-known freeze-tolerant British insects Caterpillars and eggs can survive sub-zero temperatures Produces cryoprotectants (antifreeze-like compounds) Can survive partial freezing depending on conditions 2. Common Quaker Moth (Orthosia cerasi) Overwinters as a pupa Pupae can tolerate cold and partial freezing stress Uses metabolic suppression to survive winter conditions 3. Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) Overwinters as an adult butterfly (hibernation state) Uses deep dormancy (diapause) in cool sheltered sites Can survive near-freezing temperatures in buildings, sheds, and tree hollows 4. Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) One of the...
An Intimate Guide to British Wildlife