are highly active in cold environments that are lethal to most insect species. Adults are often found in motion as they move across the surface of the snow, walking at speeds near their peak velocity. They have been observed walking at speeds at up to per minute in sub-zero conditions, and males have been observed to leap when alarmed.

The winglessness of the genus is probably attributable to the fact that at sub-freezing temperatures, it is challenging to generate energy required for maintaining flight. Chionea lack flight musculature,