Cold-tolerant
Guides
Chionea carolus
Chionea carolus is a wingless crane fly species in the family Limoniidae, commonly known as a "snow fly." It inhabits subnivean environments beneath snow in western North America, particularly in California and Nevada. Adults are active during winter months, crawling on snow surfaces when temperatures are mild enough. The species exhibits remarkable cold tolerance through glycerol-based antifreeze compounds and specialized enzymes that allow metabolic function at low temperatures.
Chionea scita
snow crane fly, snow fly
Chionea scita is a wingless crane fly native to North America, notable for its winter activity and ability to walk on snow at temperatures as low as 14°F. Adults emerge between September and February, with peak activity in November and December. The species is commonly found in the northeastern United States and Canada, extending south to Georgia and Tennessee. Both sexes are yellow-brown, hairy, and spider-like in appearance, with body lengths of 5–8 mm.
Cucujidae
flat bark beetles
The Cucujidae are a family of beetles characterized by strongly flattened bodies adapted for living under bark. The family contains approximately 70 species in five genera, distributed worldwide except Africa and Antarctica. Members are primarily found in subcortical habitats on dead trees, where both larvae and adults are predatory. Some species exhibit remarkable physiological adaptations, including extreme freezing tolerance in arctic populations.
Solenopsis richteri
Black Imported Fire Ant, BIFA
Solenopsis richteri, the black imported fire ant, is a South American native fire ant species that has been introduced to North America. Once considered a subspecies or color variant of Solenopsis invicta, it is now recognized as a distinct species with demonstrably different range and ecological preferences. It appears more cold-tolerant and less dominant than the red imported fire ant. In its native Argentina, it is attacked by six species of Pseudacteon phorid flies that significantly reduce its foraging activity. The species hybridizes with S. invicta where their ranges overlap, particularly in Tennessee. In Eritrea, it has been documented as a serious agricultural pest of crops and grazing areas.