1. Arctic Woolly Bear Caterpillar (Gynaephora groenlandica): This is a moth caterpillar that is well-adapted to the cold temperatures. It has a thick coat of hairs that helps insulate it and prevent water loss.
2. Arctic Springtail (Onychiurus arcticus): Springtails are small, wingless insects that are abundant in the Arctic. They are able to survive freezing temperatures and can even become active in the snow.
3. Midges (Chironomidae): Midges are small flies that thrive in the short Arctic summer. Adult midges emerge in large numbers and can be seen swarming near water bodies.
4. Arctic Bumblebees (Bombus polaris): Bumblebees are social insects that are found in some parts of the Arctic. They play a crucial role in pollinating Arctic plants.
5. Stoneflies (Plecoptera): Stoneflies are aquatic insects that can be found in the streams of the Arctic. They are an important food source for fish and other aquatic animals.
6. Snow Fleas (Collembola): Snow fleas are wingless insects that live on the surface of snow and ice in both the Arctic and Antarctic. They are tiny and can be challenging to see without magnification.
7. Rockhopper Fleas (Orthonyx orthonyx): Rockhopper fleas are small beetles found in the Antarctic. They are known for their ability to survive extreme cold temperatures and are often found in association with penguin colonies.
It's important to note that insect biodiversity is much higher in the Arctic compared to the Antarctic due to the more moderate climate and longer growing season. Many of the insects found in the Arctic are also found in other northern regions, while the Antarctic has a limited number of insect species that are highly adapted to the extreme cold and limited resources of the continent.