Alaska’s summer insects include mosquitoes, black flies, soil mites, springtails, carpenter ants, aphids, grasshoppers and dragonflies. A University of Alaska science column reports a possibility of more than 12 million adult mosquitoes per acre in the worst-infested northern tundra.[1]
| Mosquitoes, worst tundra | Over 12 million adults per acre (possible) |
|---|---|
| Black fly larvae | Over 600,000 in about 3 sq ft of streambed |
| Soil mites, boreal floor | About 500,000 per 3 sq ft by late summer |
| Springtails | About 2,000 per footfall |
| Mites and springtails biomass | About 34,000 lb per square mile |
| Birds eating ants on snow | Eight species |
Biting insects
Clemson University entomologist Peter Adler reported the possibility of more than 12 million adult mosquitoes per acre in the worst-infested northern tundra. Other scientists measured more than 600,000 black fly larvae in about three square feet of streambed.[1]
Soil life
Biologist Stephen MacLean estimated about 500,000 soil mites in a three-square-foot patch of boreal forest floor by late summer, roughly 10,000 per footstep by August, and about 2,000 springtails per footfall. He calculated that soil mites and springtails together weigh about 34,000 pounds per square mile, equal to 43 moose.[1]
Insects on snowfields
University of Washington scientist John Edwards found snow beds at Eagle Summit north of Fairbanks crawling with insects, and downdrafts over snowfields pushed carpenter ants from spruce forests onto the snow. Eight bird species, including Lapland longspurs, pipits and common ravens, fed on the ants, eating the fatty abdomens and leaving the head and thorax. The column does not give a count of Alaska insect species or a peak season.[1]
FAQs
How many mosquitoes can there be in Alaska? Possibly more than 12 million adults per acre in the worst tundra, per one researcher.
What other insects are common? Black flies, soil mites, springtails and carpenter ants.
Do birds eat insects on snow? Yes, eight species fed on carpenter ants on snowfields.
Sources
Key facts
- Soil mites and springtails equal 43 moose in weight
- Eight bird species eat snow ants
Quick checkHow many mosquitoes per acre were reported possible on tundra?Show answer
More than 12 million adults
Sources
- University of Alaska Fairbanks. Alaska heavy with summer insects. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue