Antarctic Midge (Belgica antarctica)

Antarctic midges are very unique animals as the only insects native to Antarctica. They can survive sub zero temperatures by burrowing into snow which has a more regulated temperature than the air and by accumulating antifreeze chemicals in their bodies. Most of their life is spent in their larval form in which they eat algae until adulthood. Adults have no wings which is thought to keep them from unintentionally catching strong, Antarctic winds. Adults also do not eat, only seeking to mate and lay eggs. These eggs are coated in a gelatinous mass by the mother which keeps them from freezing and provides nutrients immediately after hatching. It is also the largest fully terrestrial animal that lives in Antarctica despite only being several millimeters long.