Jason E. Andersen

Bonus Fun Fact: Ever wonder how butterflies (and other insects) make it through the harsh Iowa winter? Of course, some species like Monarchs and Painted Ladies leave the area entirely, and migrate to warmer climates. However, many species enter a period of dormancy during the chilly months, called diapause. Their bodies create compounds that allow their bodily fluids to act like anti-freeze and their bodily functions all but shut down. Depending on the species, they can do this as larvae, caterpillars, or as adults. In the fall, they burrow into vegetation or soil and, as the days grow shorter and colder, they go into diapause. When things warm back up in the spring, they emerge and continue their lives like nothing ever happened! Amazing!