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Distribution and ecology of chironomids (Diptera, Chironomidae) on Byers Peninsula, Maritime Antarctica

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 March 2013

Eugenio Rico  and
Antonio Quesada
Eugenio Rico*
Affiliation:
Departamento de Ecología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c/Darwin, 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
Antonio Quesada
Affiliation:
Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, c/Darwin, 2, 28049 Madrid, Spain
*
eugenio.rico@uam.es
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Abstract

This study describes the ecology and distribution of the only two native Antarctic insects, the chironomid species Parochlus steinenii and Belgica antarctica, both found on Byers Peninsula (Livingston Island, South Shetland Islands). Parochlus steinenii inhabits lakes of the central plateau of Byers Peninsula associated with aquatic mosses on the bottom of lakes and in some streams of the South Beach area. Some streams have stable populations which are able to complete their life cycle while other streams have temporary, unstable populations. Belgica antarctica also inhabits streams running through mosses located in the South Beach area. Our data indicate that this species has a limited dispersal capability which is positively light activated for both adults and pupae. Both Antarctic midge species coexists on Byers Peninsula and share some stretches of streams. Isotopic studies show a non-selective feeding regime for both species with mixed carbon sources associated with both biofilm/microbial mats and mosses.

Keywords

Belgica antarcticadrift patternfeeding habitsParochlus steineniiSouth Shetland Islands
Type
Research Articles
Information
Antarctic Science , Volume 25 , Issue 2: Byers Peninsula – A New Reference Site For The Maritime Antarctic , April 2013 , pp. 288 - 291
Copyright
Copyright © Antarctic Science Ltd 2013

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References

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