A wingless insect discovered in Antarctica: how it survives in extreme conditions.

According to ТСН: Scientists have discovered a unique species of terrestrial animals capable of surviving in the harsh conditions of Antarctica. The Antarctic midge (Belgica antarctica) has lost its wings during the process of evolution, as flying during Antarctic storms led to its demise and significant energy expenditure.

The transition to a terrestrial lifestyle allowed this insect to more effectively retain heat and utilize microscopic food sources such as mosses and organic remains enriched with nutrients from penguin and seal excrement.

Resilience of the Antarctic midge

For nine months of the year, the midge stays in a state of complete freezing. Its cells have the ability to withstand deep dehydration and low temperatures due to a mechanism of rapid hardening. This insect can live for an entire month without oxygen.

Life cycle and reproduction

During its two-year life cycle, the midge larvae develop underground, where temperature fluctuations are less. Before the second winter, they enter a genetically programmed stage of development pause, which ensures the synchronous emergence of adult individuals at the beginning of the short Antarctic summer.

The adult stage of the Antarctic midge lasts only a few days: upon reaching sexual maturity, the insects actively reproduce and then die.

It is worth noting that recently in Argentina, paleontologists found the remains of an extinct bird with a wingspan of up to 7 meters, which weighed as much as an adult human.

The study of the Antarctic midge is important for understanding the evolutionary adaptations of living organisms to extreme conditions. This species not only highlights the remarkable ability of nature to survive but also opens new horizons for science, helping to explore mechanisms that may be useful for other species and even for humans in the face of climate change.