雪ゆき虫むし

noun

woolly apple aphid; snow insect (autumn)

Refers to small white flies, especially the woolly apple aphid, that appear in late autumn or early winter in Tohoku and Hokkaido. Often seen drifting like snowflakes.

• 北ほっ海かい道どうでは、秋あきになると雪ゆき虫むしが飛とび始はじめる。

  In Hokkaido, snow insects start flying around in autumn.

• 雪ゆき虫むしがたくさん飛とぶと、もうすぐ雪ゆきが降ふると言いわれている。

  They say that when many snow insects are flying, snow will fall soon.

noun

winter stonefly; snow insect (spring)

Refers to small flies, such as certain winter stoneflies or crane flies, that appear above fallen snow in early spring. Less commonly known than the autumn type.

• 早そう春しゅんの雪ゆきの上うえを歩あるいていると、雪ゆき虫むしを見みかけることがある。

  When walking on the snow in early spring, you may spot snow insects.