Student Discovers Rare Ice Crawlers in Yellowstone
A University of Wyoming student confirms the first-ever sighting of the elusive insect order within the state of Wyoming.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in National Parks
Live Poll
Should more public park land be reserved for scientific research and exploration in your area?
In 2026, University of Wyoming student Will Anderson discovered three Ice Crawlers across two separate locations in Yellowstone National Park. This identification marks the first time this distinct biological order has been documented within the state of Wyoming.
Why it matters
The discovery of these insects in Yellowstone rock glaciers highlights the importance of cold, high-elevation environments for maintaining specific biodiversity. These rare insects are typically found in limited ranges across Northeast Asia, Siberia, Canada, and the Northwest United States.
Will Anderson located three individual Ice Crawlers across two distinct sites within the park. Scientists have currently identified 35 species of these insects worldwide, grounding the find in established entomological taxonomy.
The players
Will Anderson
He is a student at the University of Wyoming who specializes in insect research.
Yellowstone National Park
This is a protected federal landscape that encompasses vast volcanic and glacial geological features.
Entomological Society of America
This organization serves as the largest professional body for scientists who study insects.
The details
Anderson conducted his search for the insects while performing fieldwork on aquatic life within the park's rock glaciers, which offer the necessary frigid conditions for the species. He plans to publish his formal research findings in upcoming scientific journals.
Timeline
In 2025, Anderson failed to find the insects during initial searches in the park.
In 2026, Anderson successfully discovered the Ice Crawlers at two sites.
In November 2026, Anderson will present his findings at an entomological society meeting in Ohio.
Travel Outlook
This discovery extends the known geographical range of rare insect habitats tracked by the Entomological Society of America's biodiversity research programs. It underscores how specific, high-altitude ecological niches remain critical sites for modern taxonomic breakthroughs.
Visitors exploring the park's sensitive rock glaciers should remain on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems that support rare biodiversity. Understanding these distinct environments helps tourists better appreciate the unique, cold-climate life forms present in the region.
The takeaway
The documentation of this insect order in Wyoming emphasizes that even well-traveled wilderness areas can host significant, undocumented biological diversity. Outdoor researchers and enthusiasts should remain observant of micro-habitats that require extreme conditions for survival.
What happens next
Will Anderson is scheduled to present his research findings at the Entomological Society of America annual meeting in Ohio in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the environmental protections and unique ecosystems found at Wyoming National Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wyoming News Now.
Live Poll
Should more public park land be reserved for scientific research and exploration in your area?
