Hobbies And Interests
Flies and Mosquitoes
The Diptera family of flies, mosquitoes, midges and blackflies, although annoying to humans and animals, are a key component of the ecosystem. In many areas of the tundra, flies are the main pollinators and many animals rely on them for food. Tundra mosquitoes have adapted to the lack of animals from which to draw blood to nourish their eggs by being able to develop eggs without this high-protein source. They, along with tundra species of blackflies, use the protein acquired and saved during laraval stages instead. Some midges can live six years in the larval stage before taking flight as an adult for just a few weeks.
Worms
Nematodes and annelids are found worldwide, including in the tundra. These simple worms are composed of a long tube, pointed at either end, with a mouth, anus and intestine. In the tundra, these microscopic worms are usually grey-white. Nematodes, or roundworms, feed on microbes, plant roots, tubers or are parasites of larger insects, plants or animals. Annelids are segmented worms, the most common being the earth worm. The only member of the annelid family to live in the tundra is Enchytraeids, which feed on mosses.
Mites
Tiny mites (Acari) attach themselves to the skin or fur of animals in the tundra. Mites will dig under the animal's fur to lay their eggs, causing severe itching which can lead to mange. Most have six appendages attached to their thorax and simple eyes that can only detect light. A mite living in the Antarctic can take five years to complete its life cycle of egg -- larvae -- nymph to adult.
Springtails
Springtails (Collembola), are tiny wingless insects that uses a flexible organ at their tail end to leap into the air. Less than 0.2 inches long, they feed on pollen grains, fungi and organic matter. A species of springtail, the Arctic springtail, or snow flea, are active at near-freezing temperatures on the snow surface. Before the long tundra winter begins, the Arctic springtail dehydrates itself until warmer temperatures arrive. In this dehydrated state, springtails enter a state of metabolic suspension and don't freeze.