Mosquito surprise: This is how the little beasts survive the cold Antarctica!

Mosquito surprise: This is how the little beasts survive the cold Antarctica!

In the frosty expanses of Antarctica, the mosquito Belgica antarctica defies the extreme conditions and has established itself as the only surviving insect in this barren landscape. A group of Japanese researchers has studied their life cycle, which includes tremendous adaptations to cold temperatures and the short lifespan of adult mosquitoes, which live only a few days. Their larvae go through a forced rest period during their development, which allows them to survive the harsh winter. Rarely present in our temperate climate, research into this mosquito in the journal Scientific Reports has sparked particular interest because it has evolved incredible mechanisms to survive in one of the most unforgiving environments on Earth, such as crown reported.

How mosquitoes recognize their victims

When consumers are confronted with mosquitoes in the summer, the question often arises: Why am I the only one bitten? While some remain unharmed, the little bloodsuckers are drawn to other people. The selection of their victims depends not only on the scent of the skin, but also on our breath: carbon dioxide plays a central role in attracting mosquitoes. These are attracted by this gas that we release with every exhalation. Under the influence of their highly developed sensory organs, they steer towards their prey, where body temperature and the smell of sweat also play a role. Annika Hinze from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences explains that mosquitoes use plumes of CO2 up to 50 meters from their target to orient themselves spectrum describes.

But these are not the only aspects that attract mosquitoes to certain people. Individual scents and even the location you are in can have an influence on whether you become a mosquito magnet or not. In addition, the ability to attract mosquitoes varies depending on the season and temperature, as heat intensifies the mosquitoes' senses. With the increase in invasive species in Europe, such as the Asian tiger mosquito, which also bites during the day and can transmit viruses, the issue of mosquito protection is becoming more urgent. Research is underway to better understand how these little pests find us - and how we can better protect ourselves from them.