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The Wild Pest
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Bugs of Polar & Arctic

Bugs that survive frozen — and a midge that reanimates after thawing.

3 on file

On File
An Antarctic deep-sea sea spider (Colossendeis colossea), pale spindly arthropod with a tiny central body and eight extraordinarily long thin legs, dorsal view.
Curious
Six Legs84
Alias
Colossendeis colossea

Sea Spider

Marine arthropod with internal organs IN the legs. Antarctic giants reach 70 cm leg span.

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On File
A snow flea (Hypogastrura nivicola), tiny dark blue-black springtail with elongated body, six legs, on a white snow surface.
Curious
Six Legs80
Alias
Hypogastrura nivicola

Snow Flea

Tiny springtail active on snow. Antifreeze protein keeps her alive at -20°C. Used in medical cryopreservation.

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On File
A woolly bear caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella), fuzzy black-and-rust banded caterpillar curled slightly on a leaf.
Beneficial
Six Legs80
Alias
Pyrrharctia isabella

Woolly Bear (Isabella Tiger Moth)

The folklore weather caterpillar. Survives -90°C using natural antifreeze. Arctic cousin needs 7 years to grow up.

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