They spoil our summer evenings. Worse still, it is sometimes the cause of the spread of serious diseases. Mosquitoes. Why aren't they eliminated completely? Because they have a role in nature. Here's which one.
What is more unbearable than mosquitoes whistling in our ears in the middle of a summer night? A mosquito bite that won't stop itching? It's hard to say. But one thing is very certain. Nobody likes mosquitoes. Especially since the infernal insect is also a vector of diseases. For example, the tiger mosquito can transmit the infection Zika virusZika virusthere Dengue feverDengue fever where is the ChikungunyaChikungunya. Millions of people are affected every year around the world. And more and more in the context of global warming and the intensification of trade and tourism.
So some scientists embarked on a somewhat crazy race. They hope for a change GeneticGenetic Disease-carrying mosquitoes – Of the more than 3,000 species of mosquitoes, only about 200 species bite humans – to sterilize males. Objective: Exhaustion of species. More than twenty years ago, one biologist estimated that eliminating 30 species of mosquitoes would save a million lives worldwide. All without significantly damaging mosquito genetic diversity.
The role of mosquitoes in ecosystems
The problem is that mosquitoes also play a role in our environment. Firstly because it forms – itself or its larvae – the crusherShellShell Many other animals. From birds to AmphibiansAmphibians passing by bats, dragonflydragonflythe SpidersSpiders or even PiscesPisces. It's well known.
What may be less obvious is that mosquitoes are also pollinators. It feeds mainly on flower nectar. Course ThemeTheme They may not be as important as bees or butterflies. Researchers have never worked on this question. But still. They know this in the regions North PoleNorth PoleFor example, mosquitoes are especially valuable to the survival of some plants.
Finally, it is consumed by mosquitoes, in particular, in the larval state MicroorganismsMicroorganisms Which is in the water. As well as the remains of other insects. Their way of making their contribution to building a course BiomassBiomassthe carboncarbon And thenitrogennitrogen. Some larvae can help filter and avoid water EutrophicationEutrophication Environments that can lead to harmful reproduction of aquatic plants.
Environment with or without mosquitoes?
However, note that mosquitoes are not the only ones that play these roles. Therefore, scientists estimate that their disappearance will undoubtedly leave room for other insects. Since there is no predator that relies exclusively on mosquitoes… caution is still required because there is currently no serious study looking at the real impact that the disappearance of mosquitoes could have on the world. environmental systemenvironmental system.
To avoid the risk of causing a defect whose possible consequences scientists themselves are still unaware of, it is undoubtedly better to find ways to protect ourselves from mosquitoes than to try to eliminate them. For this, the recommendations are simple. Reducing water points. Because females come to lay eggs there. Remember, it is the fertilized females that bite. Another option: Make your garden attractive to mosquito predators. By placing, for example, swallow nest boxes or a bata bat.
