Brutal Arctic And Subarctic Mosquitoes Are Becoming A Serious Problem For Wildlife, The Ecosystem And Humans
While anybody would love to vacation in a tropical paradise, there is no getting around the much dreaded mosquito population. Mosquitoes are well known for thriving in moist and hot conditions. This is why the recent Zika virus outbreaks were most devastating in tropical locations, such as the Caribbean and Central and South America. If there is one good thing about the winter season, it is that mosquitoes cannot possibly survive in the bitter cold climate. However, there are many mosquito species that have been documented by researchers, and not all of these species require a tropical climate in order to survive and reproduce. For example, in the arctic and subarctic regions of Alaska, Siberia, and Greenland, blood-sucking mosquitoes can be truly horrifying.
Many westerners who have traveled to Siberia during the spring season have experienced the surprise and terror of being overwhelmed by swarms of biting mosquitoes that suck blood, leave horrible red welts and cause the skin to itch for days afterward. What is particularly notable about the unbelievably dense mosquito swarms in the arctic far east is the fact that they often swarm around and attack people in large cities. Luckily, the species of mosquito that dwells in the arctic circle is not a vector for disease, but that does not mean that they do not like the taste of blood.
The reason behind the pronounced aggression and bloodthirsty behavior demonstrated by arctic mosquitoes has to do with a lack of food. Since very few humans and animal species exist in arctic regions, arctic mosquitoes are always hungry for blood. When an arctic mosquito swarm spots an animal or a human they attack without hesitation, taking as much blood as they possibly can. Mosquitoes in the arctic have been known to completely cover both humans and animals within a matter of seconds. Although arctic mosquitoes do not spread disease, they are still causing ecological damage by harassing wildlife such as reindeer and caribou. These animals know to run when they find a mosquito swarm headed their way. Since arctic wildlife are always running from mosquito swarms they literally do not have time to eat. Studies have shown that as arctic mosquito harassment increases, caribou and reindeer species in the arctic decrease. In other words, caribou and reindeer are willing to starve to death if it means avoiding a mosquito attack.
Does it surprise you to learn that mosquitoes that do not spread disease can still be indirectly responsible for the death of wildlife?