Buzzing Intruder Alert: Biting Midges Spreading North Due to Climate Change
Mosquitoes of a previously unknown species from the southern regions detected in Germany for the first time - Increase in Southern Mosquito Population in Germany
Welcome folks, it's high time we talk about another creepy crawly invader making its way north - the biting midge, Anopheles hyrcanus, that is!
This itchy, little bugger was discovered in the eastern part of Brandenburg, Germany, earlier this year by a team of experts. Researchers are attributing this discovery to climate change, as it seems these critters are shifting their stomping grounds.
Entomologist Doreen Werner from the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) in Müncheberg led a group of scientists in finding a whopping 62 specimens of A. hyrcanus during their mission. Biologist Helge Kampen from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute confirmed the genetic evidence. FYI, this isn't old news; German Press Agency and RBB already reported on this back in the day.
So, what's the big deal about these critters? Well, they love heat, and considering they're originally from more temperate and subtropical regions, their appearance in Germany is clearly an indication that our planet is warming up, and not in a 'let's-go-to-the-beach' kinda way!
Aside from being a nuisance, you might wonder if this new guest is responsible for bringing any diseases along. Kampen says not to worry too much just yet, as there's no proof that humans have been infected by this particular midge. However, they can theoretically carry malaria pathogens and viruses, similar to other Anopheles species already established in Germany. But hey, relax, according to Kampen, other mosquito species like the Asian tiger mosquito are a much bigger threat when it comes to disease transmission.
Now, these blood-sucking bad boys were captured from August to September 2024, with 59 of them found near Quappendorf and the remaining 3 near Zeschdorf, approximately 25 kilometers away in the Oderbruch district of Märkisch-Oderland. If scientists decide to redeploy traps in the same location this year, we can expect even more of these midges to show up!
By the way, the evidence of these biting buggers will be published in the journal "Parasites & Vectors".
For those who are considering a warm holiday in the subtropics, remember, this isn't a travel guide, but a warning about our ever-changing climate. Keep an eye out for unwanted guests when you return, and don't forget to use some insect repellent!
- Climate Change
- Biting Midge
- Germany
- Kampen
- Brandenburg
- Müncheberg
- Doreen Werner
- Public Health
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute
- German Press Agency
- RBB
A Few Fun Facts:
- Anopheles hyrcanus is part of the Anopheles family, which is known for mosquito species that can carry malaria.
- These midges have expanded their range due to warmer temperatures and altered precipitation patterns associated with climate change.
- Although they can transmit malaria pathogens, their presence is not typically a significant public health concern yet.
- Continuous monitoring, public education, and vector control strategies are essential for preparing against potential mosquito-borne diseases.
- Entomologist Doreen Werner from the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research in Müncheberg, Germany, along with her team, identified a significant number of biting midges, Anopheles hyrcanus, in Brandenburg, linking their appearance to climate change.
- Biologist Helge Kampen from the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute confirmed the genetic evidence of these biting midges, originally from more temperate and subtropical regions, found in Germany, raising concerns about climate change.
- Despite their potential to carry malaria pathogens and viruses, like other Anopheles species in Germany, Helge Kampen states that other mosquito species, such as the Asian tiger mosquito, pose a greater threat when it comes to disease transmission.
