Exploring the influence of habitat, ground refugia and behavioral strategies on the overwintering success of <scp> <i>Drosophila suzukii</i> </scp> , Matsumura

Cold acclimated flies are active participants in their environment, even at freezing temperatures, navigating changing landscape features and adjusting their position in response to temperature and ground conditions. Our data showed for the first time that cold acclimated flies are capable of vertical movement even at freezing temperatures as water levels rise at the ground level during thaw events. Thus, the overwintering behavior and ecology of D. suzukii is more complex than previously thought, and there are likely several factors in addition to physiological cold hardening that contribute to overwintering success. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.