External Morphology of Larvae of Belgica antarctica Jacobs, 1900 (Diptera, Chironomidae) Obtained from Two Locations in Maritime Antarctica

The external morphology of the fourth-instar larva Antarctic endemic chironomid midge Belgica antarctica is described. Larvae were collected from Jougla Point (Wiencke Island) and an un-named island close to Enterprise Island, off coast western Peninsula. Light microscopy was used examine document photographically structures mouthparts (mandible, mentum, premandible, labrum), antennae, pecten epipharyngis, clypeus, frontal apotome posterior parapods. Measurements are presented. data obtained compared with that available in literature. A number differences identified relating size larvae, teeth on mandibles, antennal segments length blade. Malformations mandible mentum reported for first time this species. Features larvae taxonomic value can be determine species larval stages These utility using reveal relationships other also important ecological genotoxicological studies, which require accurate level identification.