Researchers from the University of Birmingham and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have found that an invasive insect is transforming Antarctic soils, paving the way for new species. The insect, a tiny flightless midge (Eretmoptera murphyi), has recently colonized Antarctica’s Signy Island and is significantly increasing the rates of plant decomposition. This is resulting in three to five-fold rises in soil nitrate levels compared to sites housing only native invertebrates. The researchers say that the activity of Eretmoptera on Signy, in combination with climate change, potentially “opens the door” for other species to become established which can further accelerate ecosystem change.