The heavy rains that poured down on the 70,000 attendees of Burning Man have not only caused chaos, but they have also awakened a fascinating phenomenon. Hundreds of three-eyed ‘dinosaur shrimp’, scientifically known as fairy shrimp, have emerged from their slumber due to the optimal environment created by the rainstorms. These small creatures, enclosed in a thick shell for years, were spotted emerging from the muddy landscape as festival-goers escaped the flooded desert.
Fairy shrimp are often referred to as ‘living fossils’ because similar forms have existed since the Cambrian Period, over 500 million years ago. Unlike shrimps, fairy shrimp from the Anostraca genus lack shells on their heads and chests and usually have 11 pairs of legs instead of the typical eight found in modern shrimps. Additionally, they possess a unique third eye called a pit organ, which helps them detect changes in light and avoid predators.
Despite their intriguing biology, fairy shrimp have a relatively short lifespan of only two to three months and live in seasonal water bodies. However, their eggs display remarkable resilience, surviving for years in the soil before hatching in freshwater. These eggs can even withstand boiling temperatures. Originally inhabitants of the world’s oceans, fairy shrimp were forced to adapt to shallow freshwater habitats due to the threat of predators.
The rainstorm that occurred during the Burning Man festival provided the necessary conditions for the hatching of fairy shrimp eggs. This rare species, known for swimming upside down, lays its eggs at the bottom of dry pools and remains inactive until suitable conditions for hatching arise. The rainwater over the weekend fulfilled this requirement.
The rainstorm at the festival brought over half an inch of rain, and in some areas, close to one inch of rain was recorded. Unfortunately, amidst the chaos, there was one reported death, the circumstances of which are still under investigation. Nevertheless, the CEO of Burning Man assured attendees that there was no cause for panic and that the situation did not require an evacuation.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, the vibrant and spirited crowds at Burning Man managed to make the most out of the situation by organizing unique activities like slip-and-slides. Burning Man takes place on the prehistoric Lake Lahontan, commonly referred to as the playa, which is a dry lakebed composed of alkaline dust. Typically, this dust causes discomfort and respiratory issues, known as ‘playa lung’, but with the rain, it has now turned into mud, creating a playful and adventurous atmosphere for the festival-goers.
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