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Park news · Yellowstone

Three Cold-Adapted Insects Found Near Two Yellowstone Peaks

Three insects collected in Yellowstone's high country during summer 2026 offer another way to appreciate the park, according to WyoFile.

By Victoria Boissonade,

If you're planning a trip to Yellowstone, here's something to keep in mind as you look toward its peaks. WyoFile reports the collection of three insects during summer 2026. Think of this discovery as a reason to learn about the park's less noticeable wildlife, without making it the goal of a hike.

According to WyoFile, two specimens came from near Antler Peak and one from near Grey Peak. As you prepare for your trip, remember these two names as the locations associated with the collection. We'd suggest keeping these findings separate from your hiking plans. The reporting describes discoveries, not a route to follow.

An insect with long antennae stands beneath a large lichen-covered boulder, with snowy mountains in the background

WyoFile reports that the student who collected the insects identified them as Grylloblatta campodeiformis. We're keeping that attribution so it's clear who made the identification. The scientific name will mainly come in handy if you'd like to read more about these insects before your trip.

According to WyoFile, these insects inhabit cold environments, with localized populations in the mountains and in caves. That connection to cold helps explain their presence in the park's high country. For visitors, they offer another way to appreciate Yellowstone by paying attention to the small organisms that make up its ecosystems, too.

To plan your stay, we recommend checking out the Yellowstone National Park guide. Treat this discovery as background for your trip rather than a wildlife encounter you can plan for. Three collected specimens, even with precise locations, aren't enough to promise you'll spot one during your visit.