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Female snow flea

 

The first day of snowfall left a question: are the insects on the snow late leavers or eager early arrivals? The second day didn’t bring clarity. After two more days insects who are definitely known as winter insects joined the actors on the snow. On both shores of Emajõgi river near Kärevere  I met snow fleas (Boreus sp.). Both males and egg-filled females were moving around on the snow. I was happy too to see a female snow fly (Chionea sp.) with eggs again after three years. The snow-rich winters in between haven’t favoured finding either species.

It seems that typical winter insects will not become active at once with the first day of snow. But when the snow has been on the ground for some days they can’t resist the call of nature. We will see what the next few weeks will bring.

 

Snow fly