Throughout the world there are an infinite number of species that are still totally unknown today. In the case of insects, we can say that it is a kind of invertebrate animals with more diversity which is on Earth. One of the most surprising is the so-called Patagonian Dragon, the only one that survives in the glacial ice.
One of the most remarkable species discovered
It is true that groups of small animals can attract many curious scientists. However, for some time an insect named “Andiperla Spor better known as “The Patagonian Dragon”.
It was first discovered in 1956 in the Uppsala Glacier located in Argentina, by a researcher named Aubert Wilink. However, for some time more information has been sought on this type of insect and they seem to have disappearedbecause we couldn’t find any.
Andiperla Sp is rediscovered
For many years it was believed that they had all perished, until in 2001 a French expedition found him. But this time in the glacier gray in Torres del Paine, Chile, this species is native to the Magallanes and Aysén regions. Its habitat is in places where cold and ice abound.
Glacier Grey.
He belongs to the family of flightless fliesan important fact is that he lives in places where there is no pollution. In fact, scientists have found that the presence of an Andiperla Sp indicates that the environment and the water are of very good quality.
Details about The Patagonian Dragon
The Patagonian dragon is born, reproduces, grows and dies in places where the temperatures are very low. For example, in the glaciers of Argentina and Chile, its size is less than 2 centimeters. When they are only larvae, they are kept in streams and sinkholes on the ice.
While the adults remain on the surface of the ice in search of food and a mate to reproduce. One of the most striking aspects for researchers is its resistance to low temperatures.
In fact, at some point we thought they had antifreeze on the inside. But this is something that has not been verified, so far many aspects of this insect are completely unknown.
What do they feed on?
In the follow-up that was carried out on this group of small animals, it was observed that they feed on microalgae and lichens. Also eat leaves and insects who end up accidentally falling into the glacier. But we don’t know if they ingest anything other than that.
The reproduction of these small animals
Andiperla
For an Andiperla Sp. to live, the temperature must be between 0º and -10º C, if the cold is higher or lower, they can die. They reproduce by means of the eggs that the females lay in the thaw pits, it must be very cold water, so that the larvae can emerge.
The development time of the larva is completely unknown, it is estimated that it takes several years, until they finally reach the size of 2 centimeters. When they are in the first stage, they breathe through gills. They need to stay underwater at all times, that’s where they get dissolved oxygen.
A new species of Andiperla Sp.
There are currently two types of Andiperlaone was found in the Perito moreno glacier, the two species have minimal differences. The main variation is its morphology, the genetics of the two are completely different and in males the shape of their genitalia changes.
You might also be interested in: The woodpecker and 22 other species are declared extinct.
There is not yet much information regarding the evolution of insects. But scientists are still working hard to learn a little more about the Patagonian dragon. Their genetics are also monitored in order to know how can they live in such a cold climate without regulating their body temperature.
Are insects vital for the environment?
Nor is much known about the importance of Patagonian dragons in the ecosystem. But for many years the value of all types of insects for humanity has been highlighted. Andiperla continues to be studied by a group of scientists and we are expected to have new leads soon.
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Insect surprises to be the only one to survive in glacier ice – Mystery Science
One of the most remarkable species discoveredDetails about The Patagonian DragonA new species of Andiperla Sp.Are insects vital for the environment?
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2024-11-10
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