They confirm that ghost mosquitoes existed in New Zealand

A scientific team led by the Donana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) has confirmed the presence of ghost mosquitoes in New Zealand through the fossil record for the first time. Only place with Antarctica, its existence is not confirmed.

These species, major predators of plankton and important engineers in freshwater ecosystems, are present on all continents of the world.

This discovery indicates that there is a drastic change in the climate of these islands, which may lead to the extinction of these species.

The scientific team documented 30 specimens of immature individuals of these mosquitoes in fossils collected from Foulden Maar in New Zealand. This fossil lake, now dry, formed in the crater of a dormant volcano 2 kilometers in diameter and 350 meters deep.

When they died, abundant microscopic algae, called diatoms, formed a layer on the bottom of the lake that made possible the unique preservation of the fossils over millions of years.

“This unique lake is our window to the Southern Hemisphere from 23 million years ago. Foulden Maar preserves fossils of extinct plants and animals in a lake surrounded by tropical moist forests,” said Viktor Baranov, researcher at EBD-CSIC.

Influence of climate on fossil finds of ghost mosquitoes

Due to geological and climatic changes created over millions of years, the climate in the region is cooler today. The lake is completely dry, making it a unique place to study fossils.

The specimens were photographed and stored in the Department of Geology Museum at the University of Otago, New Zealand. At least five different figures were found, a term used when the species cannot be precisely determined.

“It's very interesting that they were in New Zealand in the past, but not today,” Baranov explained.

An extreme weather event could have led to their destruction. So far there is no indication of what is causing the extinction of these mosquitoes in New Zealand.

These discoveries demonstrate the value of preserving the world's fossil sites as Earth's archives. These allow discoveries that help understand natural processes in the present, such as the impact of climate change.

“Our unexpected discovery of Foulden Maar ghost mosquitoes further highlights the many surprises this site still holds,” the researcher concluded.

You can also read: Over 20 Bird Species Identified in El Carabobeno's Citizen Science Activity

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