According to retired zoology professor Dr. Hemant Ghate, the insects forming tornado-like formations in Pune are not mosquitoes. They belong to a family called Chironomidae and do not bite.
Unusual Sight of Insect Swarms in Pune
Videos showing large swarms of tiny, mosquito-like insects forming what appears to be a ‘tornado’ in certain areas of Pune have caused concern recently. However, experts clarify that this phenomenon is not uncommon, and the insects involved are not mosquitoes but belong to the Chironomidae family.
Retired zoology professor Dr. Hemant Ghate explained that untreated sewage is the root cause of this issue, which remains unaddressed. He highlighted that these insects’ larvae, similar to mosquito larvae but red due to their haemoglobin, thrive in waters polluted with organic matter, particularly in the Mula-Mutha river.
Dr. Ghate further elaborated that the pupae of these insects develop into adults in warm temperatures, resulting in swarms of mosquito-like adults emerging. Although these adults do not bite, their abundance indicates sewage pollution in the water. Additionally, organic matter serves as food for their larvae, while the adults have a short lifespan and die soon after laying eggs in water.
He noted that these larvae are commonly found in water bodies, including near Sambhaji bridge, where they feed on organic sewage matter. On calm days with no wind, the swarms may resemble smoke plumes emanating from trees or buildings near the river. Dr. Ghate also highlighted that untreated sewage contributes to the growth of hyacinth by producing phosphorus and nitrogen.
ALSO READ : A big model of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir will be built in Pune this year.
WHAT IS CHIRONOMIDAE
