Young scientists of the University of Lodz discovered two species of flies that have not been seen in Poland before. Insects live in water moss in Ravka River in Bolimov Landscape Park and are an important part of the local ecosystem.
Kamil Slomczynski and Timoteusz Matera, students of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of the University of Lodz under the guidance of prof. Mateusz Plociennik conducted a study of the river that runs through the Bolimowski Landscape Park between Skierniewice and Bolimov. Scientists collected water moss growing on fallen trees and then used a microscope to look for living organisms living in it. In this way, they discovered two species of fly larvae from the chironomid family. – They are small insects, similar to mosquitoes, but they do not like to feed on blood. They spend most of their life 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, as they provide food for many aquatic animals, said Timotei Matera, a student at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection at the University of Lodz.
Thanks to them, we know that the river is clean
Diptera are a diverse group of invertebrates. Some are carnivorous, others feed on dead organic matter. In order to distinguish species that had not been discovered before in Poland, young scientists could not rely only on observations, but had to conduct genetic research. – there are many flies, so it is easy to miss new species, especially in such specific habitats as water mosses. Species found in such environments as fast flowing water and good oxygenation. They are bioindicators of river purity. Thanks to them, we know that Ravka is clean and has high-quality water, – explained Kamil Slomczynski, also a student of the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection of this university.
Ravka River by Anita Mischik/Shutterstock
“They're probably wider.”
As Dr. Hab explained. Mateusz Plociennik, this is not a description of new species for science, but the first observations in Poland of species that were described long ago, but have not yet been discovered in our country. – These are probably the most widespread species, but not common, which are associated with a specific habitat, – the biologist explained. Young scientists have planned further research on invertebrates in the reserve in the landscape park of Bolimov.
Main photo: Anita Mischik / Shutterstock
