Can you name any insects that may overwinter in your leaf litter?

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A marvelous array of insects may find a winter habitat in and under your fallen leaves. Not doing yardwork can mimic nature and be offer a safe place for pollinators and other creatures to spend the winter.

Many butterflies and moths don’t migrate. If you see them in your yard in summer, they may be overwintering there too—in the form of egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, or adult, and using your leaf litter for winter cover.

Did you know that some species have evolved so that their cocoons and chrysalises look like dried leaves as a form of camouflage? Luna moths and swallowtail butterflies are but two examples.

The majority of bee species nest in the ground, often in yards and garden beds. A thick layer of leaves can provide protection from the elements. And many native bees nest within dried stems and flower heads—so consider cutting flowers back in spring instead of the end of summer.

See how doing less yardwork may help bees and other insects.