The Antarctic midge measures only 2 – 6 mm in length, can survive at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius, and can remain frozen for up to 9 months.
Antarctica is one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Consequently, the species that inhabit this region possess remarkable survival capabilities. While seals and penguins may be more famous, they are not the largest terrestrial inhabitants of this continent.
The Antarctic midge is capable of surviving in freezing environments. (Photo: Igor Gvozdovsky).
The title of the largest terrestrial organism belongs to the Antarctic midge (Belgica antarctica). Despite its small size of just 2 – 6 mm, it is the largest permanently terrestrial native species in Antarctica. Penguins and seals are not full-time “residents.” Most bird species migrate seasonally, spending the majority of their time at sea.
Interestingly, while most midge species fly around bothering humans and biting, the Antarctic midge does not fly and does not bite. It has completely lost its wings as an impressive survival strategy to cope with the harsh polar winds.
The Antarctic midge also possesses many adaptive abilities, such as surviving at temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius, losing 70% of its body fluids, and living for a month without oxygen. It survives winter by accumulating sugars as a natural antifreeze and dehydrating its body to prevent ice crystals from forming inside its cells.
The Antarctic midge can even survive being frozen for up to 9 months. As a result, this tiny creature takes two years to complete its entire life cycle, most of which is spent in the larval stage. The larvae primarily feed on bacteria, algae, and penguin droppings. Research indicates that larvae can survive extreme cooling levels by keeping warm beneath a layer of “snow blanket.” In laboratory conditions, they use a rapid freeze strategy to protect their bodies when temperatures drop quickly.
“Evidence from previous studies shows that the Antarctic midge has existed on this continent since ancient times. It serves as a good model for understanding the history of Antarctica and for scientists to predict how this continent will respond to climate change,” said researcher Nick Teets from the University of Kentucky.
While the Antarctic midge is a survival expert in the conditions of Antarctica, those conditions are changing. A 2022 study indicated that this species is negatively affected by warming environments and may face threats as global temperatures continue to rise.
