
About this episode
The winter is usually when insects die or go into a state of paused development, but for tiny specks on the white snow called snow flies, it's time to run around, find a lover and make baby snow flies. Neuroscientist John Tuthill has been studying these creatures since he first came across them in 2016. He's found that not only can they survive in the cold, but if one of their limbs starts to freeze, they can self-amputate and pop it right off. That buys the snow fly time to find a mate and make sweet, sweet snow fly love.
Interested in other winter biology? Email us at [email protected] — we'd love to hear from you!
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Interested in other winter biology? Email us at [email protected] — we'd love to hear from you!
See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.
NPR Privacy Policy
Get every episode summarized
Each time Short Wave publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Short Wave

A new investigation shows heat is even deadlier than we thought
Short Wave
Sep 4, 202614:45completed

The science of emotional regulation — and how to do it better
Short Wave
Sep 2, 202612:29pending

What can seashells teach us about the health of our oceans?
Short Wave
Sep 1, 202613:10pending

Football is here – and so is a new study on CTE
Short Wave
Aug 31, 202615:01pending