The wingless midge — reaching up to 6 mm (0.24 in) in length — is Antarctica's largest permanent land animal. It survives the year-round cold by burrowing, losing up to 70% of its body water, and producing antifreeze-like proteins. Without wings, it sheds less heat and avoids being blown out to sea.

The snowy sheathbill is an Antarctic scavenger. It eats anything it can find or pilfer; from faeces to regurgitated penguin chick food and even elephant seal milk straight from the teat. It often stands on one foot to reduce heat loss — a technique that also makes it quite clumsy.