Insects and invertebrates:

 

In Antarctica, there are very few land animals, the majority being insects and invertebrates, for it is very difficult to survive Antarctic Winter. 

 

Nematode worms, rotifers, spingtales and mites are the most common land 'animals' in Antarctica. 

Earth worms and insects are responsible for most of the nutrient release from dead plants in sub-Antarctica. Many invertebrates are able to survive extremely cold temperatures without dying, and invertebrates on the sub-Antarctic islands have the ability to freeze without dying. 

 

On the Southern Ocean islands, some of the threats towards invertebrates are invasive species (non-native, introduced species) such as mice, rats and predatory beetles. 

 

Insects continue to adapt and evolve over time with climate change.