As temperatures rise, Wisconsin's insect population is springing into action, signaling a potentially early start to the bug season. With approximately 20 thousand different insect species in the state, varying strategies help them survive the winter, but warm weather can prompt their activity sooner than expected.

“While certain species may still be dormant as eggs, others, such as adults, have begun their activities due to the unusually warm temperatures,” explains PJ Liesch, state entomologist.

This early activity could lead to an overall earlier start to the insect season in Wisconsin. However, the impact of prolonged warm spells in spring and fall on insect populations remains uncertain.

"Extended warm periods could allow certain insects to squeeze in additional reproductive cycles," says Liesch. "While some insects, like aphids, can continuously reproduce generation after generation, others may attempt a second generation if conditions permit."

Furthermore, mild winters may facilitate range expansions for certain insect species, potentially pushing them farther north into Wisconsin.

While the recent weather fluctuations, from warm spells to cold snaps, may seem concerning, experts believe that most insects are resilient to such variations.

As temperatures rise, Wisconsin's insect population is springing into action, signaling a potentially early start to the bug season. With approximately 20 thousand different insect species in the state, varying strategies help them survive the winter, but warm weather can prompt their activity sooner than expected.
“While certain species may still be dormant as eggs, others, such as adults, have begun their activities due to the unusually warm temperatures,” explains PJ Liesch, state entomologist.
This early activity could lead to an overall earlier start to the insect season in Wisconsin. However, the impact of prolonged warm spells in spring and fall on insect populations remains uncertain.
"Extended warm periods could allow certain insects to squeeze in additional reproductive cycles," says Liesch. "While some insects, like aphids, can continuously reproduce generation after generation, others may attempt a second generation if conditions permit."
Furthermore, mild winters may facilitate range expansions for certain insect species, potentially pushing them farther north into Wisconsin.
While the recent weather fluctuations, from warm spells to cold snaps, may seem concerning, experts believe that most insects are resilient to such variations.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

Join Pam Jahnke for the latest farm news. Heard daily on WOZN 96.7 FM and 1670 AM in Madison Wisconsin from 5-6am. Also heard on affiliate stations all over Wisconsin.

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