About the Journal Eur. J. Entomol. 2007, 104(1): 914 Moist
habitats are essential for adults of the Antarctic midge,
Belgica antarctica (Diptera: Chironomidae), to avoid dehydration
BENOIT J.B.*, LOPEZ-MARTINEZ G., ELNITSKY M.A., LEE JR R.E. &
DENLINGER D.L. Desiccation resistance of adult males and females
of the midge, Belgica antarctica (Diptera: Chironomidae) was
evaluated to determine how this short-lived stage maintains
water balance in the dry Antarctic environment. Both sexes had
slightly lower water content (approx. 60%) and a higher
dehydration tolerance (>30% water loss) than most other insects.
Water loss rates were high and increased rapidly at temperatures
above 15°C, indicating that the adult midges are more hygric
than many other polar terrestrial arthropods. Water gain was
accomplished by free water uptake with minimal or no
contribution from absorption of water vapor or metabolic water
production. Parameters related to water balance did not differ
among populations from different islands. Ov