Chile's resilient Patagonian Ice Dragon insect at risk from dwindling glaciers

CONCEPCION, Chile (Reuters) - Chile's Patagonian Ice Dragon is a tiny and mighty insect that lives its whole life in freezing glaciers while feeding off algae and bacteria.

The wingless finger-shaped black insect with long antennae measuring just 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) is one of the few creatures able to survive such harsh conditions, but it is now an endangered species as global warming accelerates the loss of glaciers.

Maribet Gamboa, a researcher at Chile's UCSC university, is leading a study that aims to preserve the Patagonian Dragon, as well as the glaciers it inhabits.

"The research aims to understand the glacier and understand how the Patagonian Dragon lives," Gamboa said, adding that scientists took samples from the insect to understand the genes that have adapted to its harsh climate.

First discovered in the 1950s, the Patagonian Dragon was believed to have been extinct until it was rediscovered during an expedition in 2001.

The mighty insect can survive up to 40 meters deep and is seen as an indicator of clean glacial waters since it acts as a natural filter, feeding on organic matter, dust and bacteria.

This, Gamboa hopes, will also let the insect become a barometer for glacier health in a warming world.

"It's a combination of studying the dragon and how climate change is affecting glaciers and its habitat," Gamboa said. "This lets us use it as a sentry for climate change in the region."

(Reporting by Juan Gonzalez and Reuters TV; Writing by Alexander Villegas; Editing by Aurora Ellis)