#1
Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2026 9:14 am
Even Antarctica’s toughest native insect can’t escape the reach of plastic pollution. Scientists have discovered that Belgica antarctica — a tiny, rice-sized midge and the southernmost insect on Earth — is already ingesting microplastics in the wild. While lab tests showed the hardy larvae can survive short-term exposure without obvious harm, those exposed to higher plastic levels had reduced fat reserves, hinting at hidden energy costs.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 234214.htm
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 234214.htm