A unique way of passive dispersal of aquatic invertebrates by wind: Chironomid larvae are traveling in fragments of aquatic mosses

Wind mediated dispersal of bryophytes is well documented, however, aerial transport of macroinvertebrates attached to moss has not been observed yet. Here, we provide the first evidence of wind mediated transport of aquatic insects (chironomid larvae) inside moss tufts. We also discuss the importance of this dispersal mechanism for colonization of new habitats in regions with high amount of mosses and strong wind activity, such as arctic and alpine regions.