Posted on February 04 2009
University of Minnesota researchers are studying the life cycle and habitat requirements of midges that thrive in sub-freezing water and provide a significant nourishment for many trout — but only in winter. “‘We have discovered in the trout streams there are some very cold-adapted insects that actually only grow in the winter time,’ [entomology professor Leonard] Ferrington said. ‘Most insects don’t do that.’ The midges have a unique antifreeze-like chemical in their tissue, and Ferrington is investigating how they evolved this mechanism, in addition to his research involving trout streams.” Conor Shine in the student-produced Minnesota Daily.