The Dakota Skipper and the Poweshiek Skipperling used to be abundant. Author: Sharon Yoo Updated: 7:50 PM CDT April 30, 2021
APPLE VALLEY, Minn. At the Minnesota Zoo s butterfly conservation compound, there are creatures who have taken this social-distancing thing very seriously. I haven t seen any of these caterpillars since last October [when] we wrapped them up in their individual little vials, Butterfly Conservation Specialist Cale Nordmeyer said.
Only now, in April, is he getting to say hello again, because the endangered butterfly species has been hibernating, so to speak. This is the time of year, where we re actually waking up our Dakota Skipper butterflies, Nordmeyer said. They actually overwinter as a half grown caterpillar. One of their superpowers is their ability to overwinter and survive the crazy weather conditions that Minnesota weather throws at them. They actually form antifreezing agents in their body similar to what