What insect can survive the coldest temperatures?

Answer 1

Most insects from cold regions can endure freezing temperatures. The coldest recorded insect is down to -60C. That's right negative 60. This was characterized in 3 larva. What the specific name it is. I didn't feel like going to the library for somebody on Wiki. But if you feel like looking it up here is the info and abstract.

Cold-hardiness strategies of some adult and immature insects overwintering in interior Alaska.
Miller, K
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, A [COMP. BIOCHEM. PHYSIOL., A.]. Vol. 73A, no. 4, pp. 595-604. 1982.

A variety of adult and immature insects, most of which occupy highly exposed habitats, successfully overwinter in interior Alaska. A number of adult beetles are feezing-tolerant. All exhibit relatively high supercooling points and synthesize large quantities of polyhydric alcohols in response to cold. At least four other orders are represented by adult insects that tolerate freezing, but in contrast to adult beetles, all exhibit relatively low supercooling points associated with the build-up of glycerol. At least three species of larvae that overwinter in galls undergo a remarkable increase in supercooling capability (to ca. -- 60 degree C) associated with synthesis of large quantities of glycerol in winter. None of the larvae tested could survive freezing in spite of their high glycerol levels.

Answer 2

It depends on what you mean by "survive." Insects are cold-blooded, so their activity level increases and decreases with the temperature. There is a certain temperature at which normal activity stops. However, many insects are cold-tolerant and can remain alive at very low temperatures, even though they cannot move normally.

Answer 3

I think the arctic is too cold for insects to live there. Then again, fleas could probably live on polar bears.

Answer 4

Tardigrade

Thanks,

B.D.Smalls