Belgica antarctica Vita
In general, the research on Belgica antarctica can be divided in four major periods:
1. From 1900 to 1978, research was conducted by multiple authors; topics are sparse and there are inconsistencies in a lot of information reported back then relative to what we currently know. For example, few authors (Gressitt and. Leech 1961 and Llano 1962) have claimed that Belgica reproduces in brackish waters referencing Rübsaamen’s report (1906), but now we know that this species is fully terrestrial, as exposure to any aquatic environments is stressful and can lead to death provided enough time under stress (Baust 1987 and Lee; Elnitsky et al., 2009; this study)
2. From 1979 to 1987, John Baust studied Belgica antarctica’s stress physiology (and of other Antarctic arthropods) extensively, providing foundational work for what I do today. He also presented this work at a number of conferences, which likely popularized the research on Antarctic invertebrates. A lot of the work in this period was done in collaboration with professor Rick Lee, who picked up the work years later.
There was a gap in experimental research primarily focused on B. antarctica (to my knowledge) between 1987 and 2006, but the British Antarctic Survey was doing a lot of work in Antarctic invertebrates at the time (probably always been), and some of it included topics related to B. antarctica. For example, Grubor-Lajsic et al., 1996 (ref 25) have studied presence of antioxidants in B. antarctica and, at the same year, Convey and Block (ref 26) have published a review paper on Antarctic Dipterans. This review is excellent, and it's cited to this day as a reference for discussing aspects of the ecology of B. antarctica and other Antarctic midges (also see Convey 1997, ref 27 in the list below).
3. From 2006 to 2018, Professor Rick Lee led pretty much all the research on Belgica antarctica (but few studies were published here and there from other groups). He's work included a variety of topics on this species, not only the stress physiology, which was pivotal for us to think of questions that could be explained with more integrative, multi-disciplinary approaches. Professor Lee was very productive especially from 2007 to 2009, putting out papers that investigated tolerance to various stressors and the molecular mechanisms associated to stress-responses. They reported another type of overwintering strategy (Cryoprotective dehydration) and described two types of plastic responses that are very important for my work today (rapid-cold-hardening and cross-tolerance). Lastly, they debuted B. antarctica into the -omics realm, with Michaud et al 2008 using targeted metabolomics to investigate metabolic changes elicited by thermal and dehydration stress.
Around 2011, the work on this species branched out further, such as about what are the energetic costs of stress in this species. Between 2007-2008, Professor Lee and Professor David Denlinger were collaborating on Belgica antarctica work, which is how Nick Teets got involved with research in this species (RCH and cold-sensing, Teets et al., 2008).
4. Since 2020, most research on this species has been led by Professor Teets, as he was the principal investigator that obtained the last research grant for field work in Antarctica. Professor Teets is interested in investigating questions about extreme-adaptation in B. antarctica using integrative approaches. For example, one of our ongoing projects is investigating if the previously observed phenotypic variation across small spatial scales (e.g., see ref 21) can be explained by genetic differences among these populations. As someone who's interested both in comparative physiology and ecological genetics, this project is one of my favorites!!
During this period (starting around 2022), a research group in Ukraine led by Professor Iryna Kozeretska have been very productive, collecting midges from the vicinity of the Ukrainian research base and using these animals to revisit some work conducted before professor Baust.
Belgica antarctica Bibliography
The following bibliography presents a couple of papers that represent the history of research on Belgica antarctica (refs 1-5) and, to my knowledge, all papers on its biology after 1978, which was when Professor John Baust started to work on the species.
The bibliography also includes some papers that discuss ecology of Antarctic fauna. While these were not specifically on Belgica, I think they are important for understanding this species placement [importance] on Antarctic ecosystems.
2025
89. Devlin, J. J., Lima, C., Kawarasaki, Y., Gantz, J. D., Pavinato, V. A., Scaramelli, M., ... & Teets, N. M. (2025). Prevalence and consequences of microplastic ingestion in the world's southernmost insect, Belgica antarctica. Science of The Total Environment, 1004, 180800.
88. Yoshida, M., Convey, P., Hayward, S. A., Lee Jr, R. E., Denlinger, D. L., Teets, N. M., & Goto, S. G. (2025). Obligate diapause and its termination shape the life-cycle seasonality of an Antarctic insect. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 3890.
2024
87. Kovalenko, P. (2024). Chromosomal polymorphism of Belgica antarctica populations: possible links on ecology and geography. Ukrainian Antarctic Journal, 22(2 (29)), 198–218.
2023
86. Michailova, P., Kovalenko, P. A., Serga, S., Parnikoza, I., Kozeretska, I., & Convey, P. (2023). A chromosome map of Belgica antarctica Jacobs (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Antarctica, including chromosome variability. Antarctic Science, 35(5), 328–344.
85. Ihtimanska, M. K., Kovalenko, P. A., Michailova, P. V., & Parnikoza, I. Y. (2023). Larval morphology of Belgica antarctica Jacobs, 1900 (Diptera, Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae) from central part of the maritime Antarctic and deformities found in the larvae. Zootaxa, 5311(3), 405–416.
84. Edgington, H., Pavinato, V. A., Spacht, D., Gantz, J. D., Convey, P., Lee Jr, R. E., ... & Michel, A. (2023). Genetic history, structure and gene flow among populations of Belgica antarctica, the only free-living insect in the western Antarctic Peninsula. Polar Science, 36, 100945.
83. Yoshida, M., & Goto, S. G. (2023). Thermal responses of the embryos and early instar larvae of the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica (Insecta: Diptera). Polar Biology, 46(6), 539–544.
82. Maistrenko, O. M., Serga, S. V., Kovalenko, P. A., & Kozeretska, I. A. (2023). Bacteria associated with the Antarctic endemic insect Belgica antarctica Jacobs (Diptera Chironomidae). Cytology and Genetics, 57(3), 207–212.
2022
81. Kovalenko, P., Serga, S., Einor, D., Gorobchyshyn, V., Trokhymets, V., Protsenko, O., & Kozeretska, I. (2022). Unsupervised learning for detection of possible sexual dimorphism in larvae of Belgica antarctica Jacobs (Diptera, Chironomidae). Czech Polar Reports, 12(1), 1–14.
80. Kozeretska, I., Serga, S., Kovalenko, P., Gorobchyshyn, V., & Convey, P. (2022). Belgica antarctica (Diptera: Chironomidae): A natural model organism for extreme environments. Insect Science, 29(1), 2–20.
79. Devlin, J. J., Unfried, L., Lecheta, M. C., McCabe, E. A., Gantz, J. D., Kawarasaki, Y., ... & Teets, N. M. (2022). Simulated winter warming negatively impacts survival of Antarctica's only endemic insect. Functional Ecology, 36(8), 1949–1960.
2021
78. Kovalenko, P., Trokhymets, V., Parnikoza, I., Protsenko, Y., Salganskiy, O., Dzhulai, A., ... & Gorobchyshyn, V. (2021). Current status of Belgica antarctica Jacobs, 1900 (Diptera: Chironomidae) distribution by the data of Ukrainian Antarctic Expeditions. Ukrainian Antarctic Journal, (2), 76–93.
77. Michailova, P., Ilkova, J., Kovalenko, P., Dzhulai, A., & Kozeretska, I. (2021). Long-term retainment of some chromosomal inversions in a local population of Belgica antarctica Jacobs (Diptera, Chironomidae). Czech Polar Reports, 11(1), 16–24.
76. Michailova, P., Ilkova, J., Kovalenko, P. A., Gorobchyshyn, V. A., Kozeretska, I. A., & Convey, P. (2021). External morphology of larvae of Belgica antarctica Jacobs, 1900 (Diptera, Chironomidae) obtained from two locations in Maritime Antarctica. Insects, 12(9), 792.
75. Ajayi, O. M., Gantz, J. D., Finch, G., Lee Jr, R. E., Denlinger, D. L., & Benoit, J. B. (2021). Rapid stress hardening in the Antarctic midge improves male fertility by increasing courtship success and preventing decline of accessory gland proteins following cold exposure. Journal of Experimental Biology, 224(14), jeb242506.
74. Spacht, D. E., Gantz, J. D., Devlin, J. J., McCabe, E. A., Lee Jr, R. E., Denlinger, D. L., & Teets, N. M. (2021). Fine-scale variation in microhabitat conditions influences physiology and metabolism in an Antarctic insect. Oecologia, 197(2), 373–385.
73. Yoshida, M., Lee Jr, R. E., Denlinger, D. L., & Goto, S. G. (2021). Expression of aquaporins in response to distinct dehydration stresses that confer stress tolerance in the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 256, 110928.
2020
72. Gantz, J. D., Philip, B. N., Teets, N. M., Kawarasaki, Y., Potts, L. J., Spacht, D. E., ... & Lee, R. E. (2020). Brief exposure to a diverse range of environmental stress enhances stress tolerance in the polyextremophilic Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. BioRxiv, 2020-01.
71. Potts, L. J., Gantz, J. D., Kawarasaki, Y., Philip, B. N., Gonthier, D. J., Law, A. D., ... & Teets, N. M. (2020). Environmental factors influencing fine-scale distribution of Antarctica’s only endemic insect. Oecologia, 194(4), 529–539.
70. Teets, N. M., Gantz, J. D., & Kawarasaki, Y. (2020). Rapid cold hardening: ecological relevance, physiological mechanisms and new perspectives. Journal of Experimental Biology, 223(3), jeb203448.
69. Finch, G., Nandyal, S., Perretta, C., Davies, B., Rosendale, A. J., Holmes, C. J., ... & Benoit, J. B. (2020). Multi-level analysis of reproduction in an Antarctic midge identifies female and male accessory gland products that are altered by larval stress and impact progeny viability. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 19791.
68. Spacht, D. E., Gantz, J. D., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2020). Onset of seasonal metabolic depression in the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica appears to be independent of environmental cues. Physiological Entomology, 45(1), 16–21.
67. Teets, N. M., Dalrymple, E. G., Hillis, M. H., Gantz, J. D., Spacht, D. E., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2020). Changes in energy reserves and gene expression elicited by freezing and supercooling in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Insects, 11(1), 18.
2019
66. Teets, N. M., Kawarasaki, Y., Potts, L. J., Philip, B. N., Gantz, J. D., Denlinger, D. L., & Lee Jr, R. E. (2019). Rapid cold hardening protects against sublethal freezing injury in an Antarctic insect. Journal of Experimental Biology, 222(15), jeb206011.
65. Kawarasaki, Y., Teets, N. M., Philip, B. N., Potts, L. J., Gantz, J. D., Denlinger, D. L., & Lee Jr, R. E. (2019). Characterization of drought-induced rapid cold-hardening in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Polar Biology, 42(6), 1147–1156.
2018
64. Gantz, J. D., Spacht, D. E., & Lee, R. E. (2018). A preliminary survey of the terrestrial arthropods of the Rosenthal Islands, Antarctica. Polar Research, 37(1), 1500266.
2016
63. Chown, S. L., & Convey, P. (2016). Antarctic entomology. Annual Review of Entomology, 61(1), 119–137.
2015
62. Kobelkova, A., Goto, S. G., Peyton, J. T., Ikeno, T., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2015). Continuous activity and no cycling of clock genes in the Antarctic midge during the polar summer. Journal of Insect Physiology, 81, 90–96.
61. Goto, S. G., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2015). Aquaporins in the Antarctic midge, an extremophile that relies on dehydration for cold survival. The Biological Bulletin, 229(1), 47–57.
60. Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2015). Stress tolerance in a polyextremophile: the southernmost insect. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 93(9), 679–686.
2014
59. Harada, E., Lee Jr, R. E., Denlinger, D. L., & Goto, S. G. (2014). Life history traits of adults and embryos of the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica. Polar Biology, 37(8), 1213–1217.
58. Kawarasaki, Y., Teets, N. M., Denlinger, D. L., & Lee Jr, R. E. (2014). Wet hibernacula promote inoculative freezing and limit the potential for cryoprotective dehydration in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Polar Biology, 37(6), 753–761.
57. Kawarasaki, Y., Teets, N. M., Denlinger, D. L., & Lee Jr, R. E. (2014). Alternative overwintering strategies in an Antarctic midge: freezing vs. cryoprotective dehydration. Functional Ecology, 28(4), 933–943.
56. Kelley, J. L., Peyton, J. T., Fiston-Lavier, A. S., Teets, N. M., Yee, M. C., Johnston, J. S., ... & Denlinger, D. L. (2014). Compact genome of the Antarctic midge is likely an adaptation to an extreme environment. Nature Communications, 5(1), 4611.
55. Teets, N. M., & Denlinger, D. L. (2014). Surviving in a frozen desert: environmental stress physiology of terrestrial Antarctic arthropods. Journal of Experimental Biology, 217(1), 84–93.
2013
54. Rico, E., & Quesada, A. (2013). Distribution and ecology of chironomids (Diptera, Chironomidae) on Byers peninsula, maritime Antarctica. Antarctic Science, 25(2), 288–291.
53. Kawarasaki, Y., Teets, N. M., Denlinger, D. L., & Lee Jr, R. E. (2013). The protective effect of rapid cold-hardening develops more quickly in frozen versus supercooled larvae of the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Journal of Experimental Biology, 216(20), 3937–3945.
52. Teets, N. M., & Denlinger, D. L. (2013). Physiological mechanisms of seasonal and rapid cold‐hardening in insects. Physiological Entomology, 38(2), 105–116.
51. Teets, N. M., & Denlinger, D. L. (2013). Autophagy in Antarctica: combating dehydration stress in the world’s southernmost insect. Autophagy, 9(4), 629–631.
50. Teets, N. M., Kawarasaki, Y., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2013). Expression of genes involved in energy mobilization and osmoprotectant synthesis during thermal and dehydration stress in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 183(2), 189–201.
2012
49. Teets, N. M., Peyton, J. T., Colinet, H., Renault, D., Kelley, J. L., Kawarasaki, Y., ... & Denlinger, D. L. (2012). Gene expression changes governing extreme dehydration tolerance in an Antarctic insect. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(50), 20744–20749.
48. Allegrucci, G., Carchini, G., Convey, P., & Sbordoni, V. (2012). Evolutionary geographic relationships among orthocladine chironomid midges from maritime Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 106(2), 258–274.
47. Teets, N. M., Kawarasaki, Y., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2012). Energetic consequences of repeated and prolonged dehydration in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Journal of Insect Physiology, 58(4), 498–505.
2011
46. Goto, S. G., Philip, B. N., Teets, N. M., Kawarasaki, Y., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2011). Functional characterization of an aquaporin in the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica. Journal of Insect Physiology, 57(8), 1106–1114.
45. Yi, S. X., Benoit, J. B., Elnitsky, M. A., Kaufmann, N., Brodsky, J. L., Zeidel, M. L., ... & Lee Jr, R. E. (2011). Function and immuno-localization of aquaporins in the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica. Journal of Insect Physiology, 57(8), 1096–1105.
44. Teets, N. M., Kawarasaki, Y., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2011). Survival and energetic costs of repeated cold exposure in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica: a comparison between frozen and supercooled larvae. Journal of Experimental Biology, 214(5), 806–814.
2009
43. Elnitsky, M. A., Benoit, J. B., Lopez-Martinez, G., Denlinger, D. L., & Lee Jr, R. E. (2009). Osmoregulation and salinity tolerance in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica: seawater exposure confers enhanced tolerance to freezing and dehydration. Journal of Experimental Biology, 212(17), 2864–2871.
42. Nardi, J. B., Miller, L. A., Bee, C. M., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2009). The larval alimentary canal of the Antarctic insect, Belgica antarctica. Arthropod Structure & Development, 38(5), 377–389.
41. Li, A., Benoit, J. B., Lopez‐Martinez, G., Elnitsky, M. A., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2009). Distinct contractile and cytoskeletal protein patterns in the Antarctic midge are elicited by desiccation and rehydration. Proteomics, 9(10), 2788–2798.
40. Lopez-Martinez, G., Benoit, J. B., Rinehart, J. P., Elnitsky, M. A., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2009). Dehydration, rehydration, and overhydration alter patterns of gene expression in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Journal of Comparative Physiology B, 179(4), 481–491.
39. Benoit, J. B., Lopez-Martinez, G., Elnitsky, M. A., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2009). Dehydration-induced cross-tolerance of Belgica antarctica larvae to cold and heat is facilitated by trehalose accumulation. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Molecular & Integrative Physiology, 152(4), 518–523.
2008
38. Lopez-Martinez, G., Elnitsky, M. A., Benoit, J. B., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2008). High resistance to oxidative damage in the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica, and developmentally linked expression of genes encoding superoxide dismutase, catalase and heat shock proteins. Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 38(8), 796–804.
37. Teets, N. M., Elnitsky, M. A., Benoit, J. B., Lopez-Martinez, G., Denlinger, D. L., & Lee Jr, R. E. (2008). Rapid cold-hardening in larvae of the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica: cellular cold-sensing and a role for calcium. American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 294(6), R1938–R1946.
36. Michaud, M. R., Benoit, J. B., Lopez-Martinez, G., Elnitsky, M. A., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2008). Metabolomics reveals unique and shared metabolic changes in response to heat shock, freezing and desiccation in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Journal of Insect Physiology, 54(4), 645–655.
35. Elnitsky, M. A., Hayward, S. A., Rinehart, J. P., Denlinger, D. L., & Lee Jr, R. E. (2008). Cryoprotective dehydration and the resistance to inoculative freezing in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Journal of Experimental Biology, 211(4), 524–530.
34. Benoit, J. B., Lopez-Martinez, G., Michaud, M. R., Elnitsky, M. A., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2007). Mechanisms to reduce dehydration stress in larvae of the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Journal of Insect Physiology, 53(7), 656–667.
33. Elnitsky, M. A., Hayward, S. A., Rinehart, J. P., Denlinger, D. L., & Lee Jr, R. E. (2008). Cryoprotective dehydration and the resistance to inoculative freezing in the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Journal of Experimental Biology, 211(4), 524–530.
2007
32. Hayward, S. A., Rinehart, J. P., Sandro, L. H., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2007). Slow dehydration promotes desiccation and freeze tolerance in the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica. Journal of Experimental Biology, 210(5), 836–844.
31. Benoit, J. B., Lopez-Martinez, G., Elnitsky, M. A., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2007). Moist habitats are essential for adults of the Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica (Diptera: Chironomidae), to avoid dehydration. European Journal of Entomology, 104(1), 9–14.
2006
30. Allegrucci, G., Carchini, G., Todisco, V., Convey, P., & Sbordoni, V. (2006). A molecular phylogeny of Antarctic Chironomidae and its implications for biogeographical history. Polar Biology, 29(4), 320–326.
29. Rinehart, J. P., Hayward, S. A., Elnitsky, M. A., Sandro, L. H., Lee Jr, R. E., & Denlinger, D. L. (2006). Continuous up-regulation of heat shock proteins in larvae, but not adults, of a polar insect. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 103(38), 14223–14227.
28. Lee Jr, R. E., Elnitsky, M. A., Rinehart, J. P., Hayward, S. A., Sandro, L. H., & Denlinger, D. L. (2006). Rapid cold-hardening increases the freezing tolerance of the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica. Journal of Experimental Biology, 209(3), 399–406.
1997
27. Convey, P. (1997). How are the life history strategies of Antarctic terrestrial invertebrates influenced by extreme environmental conditions? Journal of Thermal Biology, 22(6), 429–440.
1996
26. Convey, P., & Block, W. (1996). Antarctic Diptera: ecology, physiology and distribution. European Journal of Entomology, 93(1), 1–13.
25. Grubor-Lajsic, G., Block, W., Jovanovic, A., & Worland, R. (1996). Antioxidant enzymes in larvae of the Antarctic fly, Belgica antarctica. CryoLetters, 17(1), 39–42.
1994
24. Richard, K. J., Convey, P., & Block, W. (1994). The terrestrial arthropod fauna of the Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands. Polar Biology, 14(6), 371–379.
1987
23. Baust, J. G., & Lee Jr, R. E. (1987). Multiple stress tolerance in an Antarctic terrestrial arthropod: Belgica antarctica. Cryobiology, 24(2), 140–147.
1984
22. Usher, M. B., & Edwards, M. (1984). A dipteran from south of the Antarctic Circle: Belgica antarctica (Chironomidae) with a description of its larva. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 23(1), 19–31.
1983
21. Baust, J. G., & Lee Jr, R. E. (1983). Population differences in antifreeze/cryoprotectant accumulation patterns in an Antarctic insect. Oikos, 40, 120–124.
20. Sugg, P., Edwards, J. S., & Baust, J. (1983). Phenology and life history of Belgica antarctica, an Antarctic midge (Diptera: Chironomidae). Ecological Entomology, 8(1), 105–113.
1982
19. Lee Jr, R. E., & Baust, J. G. (1982). Absence of metabolic cold adaptation and compensatory acclimation in the Antarctic fly, Belgica antarctica. Journal of Insect Physiology, 28(9), 725–729.
18. Block, W. (1982). Supercooling points of insects and mites on the Antarctic Peninsula. Ecological Entomology, 7(1), 1–8.
1981
17. Edwards, J. S., & Baust, J. (1981). Sex ratio and adult behaviour of the Antarctic midge Belgica antarctica (Diptera, Chironomidae). Ecological Entomology, 6(3), 239–243.
16. Lee Jr, R. E., & Baust, J. G. (1981). Seasonal patterns of cold-hardiness in Antarctic terrestrial arthropods. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A: Physiology, 70(4), 579–582.
15. Baust, J. G. (1981). Biochemical correlates to cold hardening in insects. Cryobiology, 18(2), 186–198.
14. Baust, J. G., & Lee, R. E. (1981). Environmental "Homeothermy" in an Antarctic Insect. Antarctic Journal of the United States, 15(5), 170–172.
1980
13. Baust, J. G. (1980). Low temperature tolerance in an antarctic insect: a relict adaptation? CryoLetters, 1(11), 360–371.
1979
12. Atchley, W. R., & Hilburn, L. R. (1979). Morphometric variability in larvae of the Antarctic fly, Belgica antarctica (Diptera: Chironomidae). Canadian Journal of Zoology, 57(12), 2311–2318.
11. Atchley, W. R., & Davis, B. L. (1979). Chromosomal variability in the Antarctic insect, Belgica antarctica (Diptera: Chironomidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 72(2), 246–252.
10. Baust, J. G., & Edwards, J. S. (1979). Mechanisms of freezing tolerance in an Antarctic midge, Belgica antarctica. Physiological Entomology, 4(1), 1–5.
1978
9. Baust, J. C., Edwards, J. S., & Brown, R. (1978). Physiological basis of low temperature tolerance in Antarctic insects. Antarctic Journal of the United States, 13, 164–166.
Before 1978
8. Peckham, V. (1971). Notes on the chironomid midge Belgica antarctica Jacobs at Anvers Island in the maritime Antarctic. Pacific Insects Monograph, 25, 145–166.
7. Gressitt, J. L. (1967). Notes on Arthropod Populations in the Antarctic Peninsula‐South Shetland Islands‐South Orkney Islands Area. Entomology of Antarctica, 10, 373–391.
6. Strong, J. (1967). Ecology of terrestrial arthropods at Palmer station, Antarctic Peninsula. Entomology of Antarctica, 10, 357–371.
5. Wirth, W. W., & Gressitt, J. L. (1967). Diptera: Chironomidae (midges). Entomology of Antarctica, 10, 197–203.
4. Martin, J. (1962). Inversion polymorphism in an Antarctic species living in a simple environment. The American Naturalist, 96(890), 317–318.
... (see Wirth and Gressitt 1967)
3. Keilin, P. D. (1911) Dipteres. Deuxième expédition antarctique francaise (1908-1910): 217-230
First published drawings [in French] https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/15906#page/237/mode/1up
2. Rübsaamen, E. H. (1906) [20 April 1906] Chironomidæ. Résultats du voyage S.Y. Belgica en 1897-99: 75-85
https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/18627#page/78/mode/1up
1. Jacobs, J. Ch. 1900. Diagnoses d'insectes recueillis par l'expedition antarctique Beige (parte Chironomidae). Ann. Soc. Ent. Belg. 44: 106-107.
Belgica antarctica first discovery that was publicly reported occurred in January 25 of 1898. The description was first published here [in French]: https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/110226#page/114/mode/1up
Curiously, it was first found in water: “Dans les petites flaques d’eau produites par la fonte des neiges. Débarquement IV; canal de la Belgica antarctica” [= In small pools of water produced by melting snow. Debarkation IV; Belgica channel Antarctica].
Seguy 1965: Belgica albipes description with drawings https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/55113248#page/297/mode/1up