Mosquito Spotted on Snow in Beijing... Experts Explain the Reason

"Mosquitoes in Winter Crawl Instead of Flying"
"May Become Active After Mistaking the Season"

Recently, as Beijing experienced its first snowfall, a mosquito was spotted resting on the accumulated snow, drawing public attention.

On December 15, China Network reported that "despite the ongoing cold weather with sub-zero temperatures, a mosquito was captured on social media sitting on the snow."

An image captured a mosquito resting on accumulated snow. Weibo.

Zhao Li, Director of the Insect Museum at Chengdu Company, speculated that the mosquito crawling on the snow is likely a species such as the Culex pipiens, which inhabits northern regions of China. He explained that these mosquitoes are resilient to cold, capable of surviving winter in places like sewers, or by hiding in warm and humid environments. He also noted that it is not impossible to see mosquitoes in Beijing during winter. Zhao Li attributed this phenomenon to a combination of factors: climate warming, the urban heat island effect, and the survival instincts of mosquitoes trying to endure the harsh winter.

Adult mosquitoes, which usually hide indoors or in sewers, may mistakenly perceive a warm winter day as the right season and become active. Zhao Li added, "Since mosquitoes find it difficult to fly in sub-zero temperatures, they have no choice but to crawl."