This Daring Fly Swims in a Shimmering Bubble Shield | Deep Look

Covered in a shiny bubble, the alkali fly scuba dives into the harsh waters of California's Mono Lake. Thanks to an abundance of hair and water-repellent wax, this remarkable insect remains dry while embarking on a quest for tasty algae and a place to lay its eggs.

Learn more about Mono Lake's world-famous tufa towers at PBS TERRA's Untold Earth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6wUVIbXoS4

DEEP LOOK is an ultra-HD (4K) short video series created by KQED in San Francisco and presented by PBS Digital Studios. See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.
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California’s Mono Lake is an incredibly harsh environment. It is three times saltier than the ocean and strongly alkaline. This landscape has striking limestone towers called tufas, creating an otherworldly setting.

But in these extreme conditions, only a handful of species can survive: algae, nematodes, brine shrimp and the alkali fly. These flies embark on an impossible adventure: diving to eat and lay eggs while staying completely dry.

The alkali fly has physical adaptations that allow them to thrive in these harsh waters. Their body is covered in a waxy substance to counter the high concentration of sodium carbonate in Mono Lake. They also have an impressive amount of hair, allowing them to form a protective air bubble.

Despite its size, the alkali fly plays a vital role in Mono Lake's ecosystem and relies on a delicate balance to survive.

--- Can you swim in Mono Lake?
Yes. The increased level of salt makes people more buoyant, so, swimming in the lake is a very interesting experience.

--- Why is Mono Lake drying up?

Mono Lake is drying up due to reduced rainfall and water runoff from the Sierra Nevada. In 1941, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power began diverting water from Mono Lake’s streams to meet the growing water demands.

--- How are tufas formed?

Tufas form underwater due to the interaction of calcium freshwater springs and the carbonate-rich lake water. When these two elements combine, a chemical reaction takes place, resulting in the formation of tufas. Tufa towers take decades or even centuries to grow.

--- Are there fish in Mono Lake?

No, there are no fish in Mono Lake.

--- What makes an alkaline lake?

A strongly alkaline environment means it has a pH value between 9 and 12. These alkaline lakes are characterized by high concentrations of carbonates.

--- Are there other alkaline lakes?

Yes. Some examples include Albert Lake and Pyramid Lake in the U.S., Lake Natron in Tanzania, and Lake Turkana in Kenya and Ethiopia.

---Who are the Native American tribes living in the Mono Lake Basin?

Humans have called the Mono Basin home for thousands of years. The Kutzadika’a Paiute are the land’s native people. The Kutzadika’a People still live by Mono Lake and have maintained traditional practices, including harvesting kutsavi (the pupae of the alkali fly used as food).

---+ Find additional resources and a transcript on KQED Science:

https://www.kqed.org/science/1983796/this-daring-fly-swims-in-a-shimmering-bubble-shield

---+ More Great Deep Look episodes:

This Fly Torpedoes a Bindweed Bee’s Nest
https://youtu.be/gJHCoP4WqMc

Here’s How That Annoying Fly Dodges Your Swatter
https://youtu.be/jBPFCvEhv9Y

Leaf Miner Fly Babies Scribble All Over Your Salad
https://youtu.be/QtbjUB4AnLI

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