Spring is finally here! With these warmer temperatures we’re having here in Middle Tennessee, we are starting to see a flush of insects emerging after overwintering. Although we are all excited about clearing up after winter and getting ready for spring, it is important not to get carried away. Many of our overwintering insects are doing so in our winter debris and aren’t ready to leave their homes just yet.
Overwintering looks different for all types of insects, which use all types of locations to shelter in. Some insects such as fireflies and spiders use leaf litter; beetles and ants hang out under logs and tree holes, while caterpillars and butterflies create cocoons and chrysalises. Be mindful of these vital habitats when doing your winter cleanup.
Photos by Ashleigh Newnes
On the warm spring days of late March there have been many sightings of hatching egg sacks. Praying mantis egg sacks can be found on tall grasses and stems of woody plants. Approximately 150–180 young mantises can emerge from each egg case, but you can expect only about five to survive even in the best of conditions. With the fluctuating temperatures, excessive mowing of grass and disruption of important natural seasonal stages, the amount of casualties is much higher. That is true for most insects, not just the mantis.
During the winter, some insects don’t bother sticking around for the cold. Monarch butterflies, for example, head south during the colder months and will return as the weather gets warmer. Making a huge trip across the Americas to survive, they are the only butterfly known to make a two-way migration as birds do. Other insects such as the woolly bear caterpillar can be spotted out and active during the winter season.
This time of year is such an exciting time in nature. It’s the perfect time for nature walks and blowing out the cobwebs. Keep your eyes peeled for emerging insects and hatching egg sacks on grasses and woody stems.
This photo was taken at May Prairie Natural Area in Manchester, Tennessee. It was one of many extremely easy-to-spot hatching mantis egg sacks we found on our walk that day. It’s amazing what wonders you will see when you know for what and where to look!
