Bugs in Winter

When the weather turns cold, fewer bugs are seen. Many bugs can survive through cold weather easiest when temperatures are stable. Stable temperatures means not alternating through thaws and freezes. Bugs can gain shelter and nourishment through soil, inside wood logs, trees and plant galls. 

• What do bugs do as winter approaches?

• What kind of bugs would need shelter?
• What might an ant need in order to live?
• What might happen to bugs if they don’t find shelter before the cold temperatures occur?

Students could:

• Spend the day outside completing a log or discussing what bugs they see and how they may function in the winter.
• Study how bugs survive in warm temperatures by using an insect kit to keep inside. 
• Create and discuss using a Venn diagram to compare how animals/people are different from bugs.

• Pest World For Kids | Where Do Bugs Go in the Winter? This resource explains where different types of bugs may go in the winter. 
• Mystery Science | Where Do Bugs Go in the Winter?: This is an informational video that talks about where bugs go in the winter.
• Nature at Your Front Door | Stink Bugs in Your House? Video explaining how and why stink bugs come in.
• PBS LearningMedia | Plum Landing: Habitat Sweet Habitat: Three siblings talk about where a group of imaginary animals would find food, water, and shelter in their backyard.