Wingless Crane Fly / Snow Fly

Description:

This is a female, of one of the most bizarre insects in North America, the thermophile Chionea scita. They are sometimes called "Snow Flies" or "WIngless Craneflies," they are in the Order Diptera. Chionea lack wing muscles entirely, and emerge, mate and lays eggs after a snow fall, usually at temperatures from 28 F to 38 F.

Habitat:

Forested, rather pristine areas along side spring fed wetlands with a sandy substrate, due to the relic glacial Lake Albany.

Notes:

This was found after light snow fell just now, it is 29 degrees F. on birch. They can be active below freezing due to the theorized production of two sugars, glycerol and trehalose (mushroom sutgar). They are incredibly fast even at low temperatures. There is a tremendous amount of information to still learn about this incredible creature.