A polar insect's tale: Observations on the life cycle of <i>Parochlus steinenii</i>, the only winged midge native to Antarctica

Contador, Tamara; Gañán, Melisa; Rendoll-Cárcamo, Javier; Maturana, Claudia S.; Benítez, Hugo A.; Kennedy, James H.; Rozzi, Ricardo; Convey, Peter

doi:10.1002/ecy.3964

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 43 publications

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“…Biological invasions are arguably the greatest contemporary threat to Antarctic ecosystems and biodiversity (Convey & Peck, 2019), in addition to being recognized as one of the five major causes of biodiversity loss globally, acting in multiple and generally unknown ways and affecting multiple levels of ecosystem organization (Tellería, 2013). The presence of species such as Plodia interpunctella was previously similarly reported as an introduction to the King Edward Point research station on the milder sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia in 2000 (Convey, 2005).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 69%

“…In recent decades, human activity on the continent has increased (Contador et al., 2023; Tejedo et al., 2022; Tin et al., 2009), with scientific activities and tourism growing rapidly other than during the short hiatus imposed by the global COVID‐19 pandemic (Hughes & Convey, 2020). At the same time, the Antarctic Peninsula region has faced particularly rapid regional climate change (Turner et al., 2009), with future scenarios currently being relatively unconstrained (Siegert et al., 2019).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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An outsider on the Antarctic Peninsula: A new record of the non‐native moth Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Benitez,

Salinas,

Hernández

et al. 2024

Ecology and Evolution

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We report the first record of the microlepidopteran Plodia interpunctella beyond the South Shetland Islands at the Chilean Yelcho scientific station (64°52′33.1428″ S; 63°35′1.9572″ W), Doumer Island, close to the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is notable that P. interpunctella, a globally distributed stored product pest species, exhibits a remarkable capacity for prolonged viability within food storage facilities. The dual challenges of food transportation and storage in the context of Antarctica's challenging operational conditions may have facilitated P. interpunctella's initial arrival to the Antarctic region. Non‐perishable food items, such as grains, flour and rice, provide practical options for the bulk food transportation and storage required in the long‐term operation of Antarctic research stations. The presence of P. interpunctella in Antarctica, even if restricted to synanthropic environments within buildings, is a clear threat to Antarctic biodiversity, not only through being an invasive species itself but also as a potential vector for other non‐native species (bacteria, acari, between others.), which could carry diseases to the native species.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 69%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An outsider on the Antarctic Peninsula: A new record of the non‐native moth Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Benitez,

Salinas,

Hernández

et al. 2024

Ecology and Evolution

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“…This includes investigating insects inhabiting extreme environments such as polar regions and deserts, which are likely to harbor microorganisms that can have extraordinary metabolic capabilities adapted to survive in challenging conditions. [385][386][387][388][389] The efficiency of microorganism isolation can be improved using innovative isolation techniques such as iChip. 390 To cover uncultured microorganisms with great biosynthetic gene cluster potential conditioned by these environments, in situ techniques can be adapted to directly extract compounds from the colony environments in which they are produced.…”

Section: Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

The insect microbiome is a vast source of bioactive small molecules

Grundmann,

Guzman,

Vilcinskas

et al. 2024

Nat. Prod. Rep.

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“…Its terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems are generally small and isolated, and are populated by small invertebrates, non‐vascular plants and microbes (Convey et al, 2020). Antarctica's native terrestrial invertebrate fauna includes only two species of insects, Parochlus steinenii (Gercke, 1889) and Belgica antarctica Jacobs, 1900 (Diptera: Chironomidae), and two invasive species, Eretmoptera murphyi Schaeffer, 1914 (Diptera: Chironomidae) and Trichocera ( Saltrichocera ) maculipennis Meigen, 1818 (Trichoceridae) (Chown & Convey, 2016; Contador Mejias et al, 2023; Volonterio et al, 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

When ice and sea are not barriers for flies: First report of Trichocera maculipennis (Diptera) in South America

Contador,

Maturana,

Gañan

et al. 2024

Insect Conserv Diversity

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During the 2022/2023 austral winter, large swarms of Trichocera (Saltrichocera) maculipennis Meigen, 1818 (Diptera: Trichoceridae), were observed around house roofs in Puerto Williams (Navarino Island, southern Chile, 54° S). In January 2023, the presence of this species was also confirmed in Punta Arenas (53° S), with specimens collected within the Chilean Antarctic Institute warehouse facilities. Trichocera maculipennis is native to the Holarctic region and became established on King George Island (South Shetland Islands, Maritime Antarctic) over 15 years ago. However, the species has not previously been reported from South America. Taxonomic and molecular identification techniques were used to confirm the identity of the new specimens obtained from Navarino Island and Punta Arenas. Preliminary observations of the fly's habitat preferences and swarming behaviour in Puerto Williams are provided, as well as comparisons in wing morphometrics between flies from Puerto Williams and King George Island. The fly's extensive distribution and high abundance in Puerto Williams are consistent with human‐facilitated introduction and several years' establishment. These findings emphasise the importance of implementing robust management strategies and biosecurity measures, particularly during transportation between logistical hubs in southern South America and the remote areas of the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve and Antarctica.

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A polar insect's tale: Observations on the life cycle of Parochlus steinenii, the only winged midge native to Antarctica

Cited by 6 publications

References 43 publications

An outsider on the Antarctic Peninsula: A new record of the non‐native moth Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

An outsider on the Antarctic Peninsula: A new record of the non‐native moth Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The insect microbiome is a vast source of bioactive small molecules

When ice and sea are not barriers for flies: First report of Trichocera maculipennis (Diptera) in South America

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