The snow midge (Aedes reiki) is found in areas of Europe that have snow in abundance. Since specimens of this species were captured in La Atalaya Forest Park, Ciudad Real capital in La Mancha, it has been infrequently snowing. Scientists from the Hunting Resources Research Institute, which includes the Higher Council for Scientific Research and University of Castilla-La Mancha, and Clinical Virology and Zoonosis Group of Maimonides Medical Research Institute of Cordoba have confirmed the existence of this mosquito in Mancha.
Scientists believe climate change is responsible for this bizarre phenomenon. This is according to a study published in BMC Zoology.
According to the authors, this species uses spring meltwater to complete their life cycle in pools filled with crystal clear water. Its discovery in Ciudad Real proves that even species that are adapted to cold environments can adapt to extreme climates. It is possible to adapt and survive.
These scientists don’t want to alarm but they recognize that there are few studies on this species. It is not known if it can transmit diseases like yellow fever, Zika, Zika, Chikungunya, or dengue. The study also notes that the snow mosquito is an aggressive species that feeds on humans and other mammals. The researchers recommend that you be cautious when avoiding mosquito bites. They also suggest wearing clothing that covers your entire body, applying topical repellents, and using mosquito nets to stop them entering homes.
