Possible links between seasonal increases in cold-tolerance and desiccation resistance were examined in field-collected larvae of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidaginis. From 20 September to 30 October 2001, larvae exhibited a gradual increase in cold-tolerance culminating in 100% survival of freezing at -20 degrees C for 24 h. The increase in cold-tolerance was probably due to a concomitant increase in cryoprotectants as measured by hemolymph osmolality (488-695 mOsmol kg(-1)). In contrast to the gradual increase in cold-tolerance, larvae exhibited two distinct phases of reduced rates of water loss. The first phase was an abrupt sixfold decrease to 0.57 microg mm(-2) h(-1) between 3 and 16 October. The first phase of reduced rates of water loss was not correlated with changes in cold-tolerance; nor was it correlated with hemolymph osmolality and body water content, which remained constant throughout the study. The reduction in rates of water loss during the first phase were probably the result of decreased respiratory water loss as the larvae entered diapause, and possibly reduced cuticular water loss as larvae increased the amount of their cuticular hydrocarbons. Interestingly, the first phase of reduced water loss was associated with, and may have been cued by, a reduction in the water potential of the gall tissues surrounding the larvae. The second phase was a more subtle fourfold reduction in rates of water loss occurring between 16 October and 11 December. In contrast to the first phase, the second phase of increased desiccation resistance correlated closely with increases in hemolymph osmolality (568-870 mOsmol kg(-1)). The correlation between seasonal increases in hemolymph osmolality and reduction in rates of water loss may represent a link between desiccation resistance and cold-tolerance in this species.