Insects never seen before in Poland. “They resemble mosquitoes”

Kamil Słomczyński and Tymoteusz Matera, students of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz, under the supervision of prof. Mateusz Płóciennik conducted research on the river crossing the Bolimowski Landscape Park between Skierniewice and Bolimów. Scientists collected water moss growing on fallen trees and then – using a microscope – looked for living organisms living in it. In this way, they discovered two species of fly larvae from the chironomid family. – They are small insects, resembling mosquitoes, but without bloodthirsty tendencies. They spend most of their lives in the larval stage. Adults have one goal – to reproduce and ensure the survival of the species. They are a very important element of the aquatic ecosystem because they provide food for many aquatic animals – said Tymoteusz Matera, a student of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz.

Diptera are a diverse group of invertebrates. Some are predatory, others feed on dead organic matter. In order to isolate species previously undiscovered in Poland, young scientists could not rely only on observations, but had to conduct genetic research. – Flies are numerous, so it is easy to miss new species, especially in such a specific habitat as aquatic mosses. Species found in such an environment like fast-flowing water and good oxygenation. They are bioindicators of river purity. Thanks to them, we know that Rawka is clean and has high-quality water – explained Kamil Słomczyński, also a student of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of this university.

As explained by Dr. Hab. Mateusz Płóciennik, these are not descriptions of new species for science, but the first observations in Poland of species that have been described for a long time, but have not yet been detected in our country. – These are probably more widely distributed species, but not common, associated with specific habitats – explained the biologist. Young scientists are planning further research on invertebrates in the reserve in the Bolimów Landscape Park.