Alaska’s vast and wild landscapes are home to a diverse and abundant insect population. Despite its cold climate, unique environmental conditions allow various insect species to thrive, adapting to seasonal extremes. Insects form an important part of the Alaskan ecosystem, though some are more noticeable to humans than others.
Alaska’s Notorious Biting Insects
Mosquitoes are Alaska’s most infamous insects, known for their sheer numbers and aggressive biting. They are particularly abundant in the state’s extensive wetlands, lowlands, and boreal forests, thriving in standing water where their larvae develop. Mosquito populations typically peak from mid-May through August, with June often being the period of greatest activity.
Black flies, also known as buffalo gnats, are another prevalent biting insect. These small, dark flies are known for their humpbacked appearance and blade-like mouthparts, which they use to cut skin and feed on blood. Unlike mosquitoes, black flies breed exclusively in running water and often crawl under clothing or near the hairline to bite, sometimes causing a reaction known as “black fly fever.”
Biting midges, commonly called “no-see-ums,” are tiny flies that are difficult to see but deliver a painful bite. These small insects can easily pass through standard window screens and head nets. No-see-ums lay their eggs on moist surfaces, such as muddy salt marsh areas, stream edges, or damp organic matter.
Deer flies and horse flies are larger biting insects, often recognized by their brightly colored, bulging eyes and patterned wings. Their bites are notably painful, often resulting in red bumps or welts.
Beyond the Biters: Other Alaskan Insects
Beyond biting insects, Alaska’s insect diversity includes species that play important ecological roles. Butterflies and moths, such as the Arctic fritillary, often display darkened wings which help them absorb scarce sunlight for flight. These insects contribute to pollination.
Beetles are a diverse group, including lady beetles, ground beetles, and rove beetles. Lady beetles are beneficial predators, consuming aphids and other soft-bodied pests. Alaska’s state insect is the four-spot skimmer dragonfly, which lives near lakes, ponds, and slow-moving water, preying on mosquitoes, midges, and black flies.
Lacewings, including green and brown varieties, are important predators in agricultural systems. These insects, recognizable by their lacy wings, feed on aphids, mites, and whiteflies during their larval and adult stages.
How Insects Thrive in Alaska’s Climate
Alaskan insects have biological adaptations allowing them to survive long, cold winters and brief, intense summers. Many species enter diapause, a form of hibernation, enabling them to endure freezing temperatures and limited food availability. This physiological pause allows insects to conserve energy until warmer conditions return.
Cold-hardiness mechanisms, such as antifreeze proteins (AFPs) and cryoprotectants like glycerol, are key adaptations for cold survival. AFPs prevent damaging ice crystals within cells, allowing some insects to be freeze-avoiding and others to be freeze-tolerant. For instance, the Alaska Upis beetle produces xylomannan, enabling it to survive temperatures as low as -104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Insects also exhibit behavioral adaptations to cope with the cold. Many tundra insects spend their entire lives in the shelter of ground-level plants or under the snow. Some aquatic insects migrate to deeper, unfrozen waters for the winter. Certain midges and stoneflies emerge on snow even in sub-freezing temperatures. Rapid life cycles during the short summer maximize breeding and development before the cold returns.
Preparing for Alaskan Insects
Preparing for Alaskan insects is essential for a comfortable summer experience. Using insect repellents containing active ingredients like DEET or picaridin is effective. Repellents with a 30% to 50% DEET concentration are generally recommended, offering protection for several hours. Permethrin-treated clothing provides an additional layer of defense, as the chemical binds to fabric and repels or kills insects.
Wearing appropriate clothing creates a physical barrier against bites. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and head nets are effective, particularly if the clothing is loose-fitting and made of tightly woven material. Tucking pant legs into socks also helps prevent insects from reaching skin.
Timing your visit can influence insect encounters. Insects are most prevalent in areas with standing water, dense vegetation, and low air movement, such as marshlands, tundras, and forested regions. Coastal areas and places with consistent breezes generally have fewer insects.