Dragons in Chile? Discover this mysterious insect from Chilean Patagonia

In the extreme south of Chile, in the depths of the Patagonian glaciers, where there is no  light, a small yet interesting creature lives: the Patagonian dragon.

Despite the imposing name, this dragon is in no way scary, but a flightless stonefly that plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.

The Patagonian dragon, which is no longer than 15 millimeters, is vital to the health of Patagonian rivers. This native species is a bioindicator, which means that its presence is a sign of purity of the water and an undisturbed ecosystem. Its existence depends on the cleanliness and quality of the water, so finding one is a sign that the environment is in good condition.

Its very existence stands out, mainly because it is hard to believe that there is fauna which can survive such low temperatures, but the truth is that the Patagonian dragon inhabits cold, crystal-clear currents in the Aysén and Magallanes regions. Its appearance, with a long, segmented body, and robust legs, allows it to move easily among rocks and algae in riverbeds. This creature has adapted perfectly to its aquatic environment, where it can find everything it needs to survive.

Due to global warming, the home of this tiny insect is melting, unfortunately making it an endangered species. This is why it is important to know how to take care of it, where to find it, and how it benefits the ecosystem. Get to know one of the latest animals that have been discovered by science only 20 years ago!

Photo: @elementosur_patagonia

Patagonian Dragon: how do we preserve it?

The Patagonian dragon plays a significant role in the ecosystem, so it is fundamental to start by protecting its home: rivers and streams. Despite inhabiting glaciers, this insect can also survive 40 meters deep in cold waters. It is of utmost urgency to keep these waters unpolluted. This implies avoiding dumping waste and the use of chemical products near these waterways. Additionally, the protection of riverside forests, which act as natural filters, is crucial to keeping the water pure.

It is believed that the Patagonian dragon feeds on small algae, helping to maintain the natural balance of the river by preventing an excess of organic matter and promoting a healthy environment. Additionally, it is known to feed on cryoconite, fine dust from ice made up of microbes and other small particles. Said dust is carried by the wind and lands on the glaciers, producing reflectivity, which can speed up their melting.

If this is the only insect that can survive in this inhospitable environment, then it surely has a great impact on the environment. The Patagonian dragon is still studied by scientists during periodical expeditions, collecting observations to share with the laboratories that deal with this species.

 Where do we find the Patagonian dragon?

The Patagonian dragon can be found on austral Patagonian icefields in the north, south, and the Darwin Mountains in Chile. However, you have to pay close attention, due to its small size and the hard to access places that it inhabits. We recommend you choose an expedition to reach it.

Chilean Patagonia: Searching for the Patagonian Dragon

Chilean Patagonia is divided into three regions: Los Lagos, Aysén, and Magallanes. The existing glaciers are 17,300 approximately, spread out among the southern and northern icefields of Argentina and Chile, meaning that you can find the Patagonian dragon anywhere.

Despite believing it to be extinct, it was rediscovered on an expedition in the year 2001 in the Torres del Paine glacier. We will give you information on some Chilean glaciers that you can visit which are the perfect habitat for this insect.

• Amalia glacier: It originates in the southern icefield and is located within the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Due to its pure and cold waters, and because it is the home of penguins and seabirds, it is absolutely possible that Patagonian dragons live here. This is thanks to the ideal conditions that the place provides, and also because it is known that the Patagonian dragon coexists with cetaceans, penguins, sea lions, and elephant seals. To get to Amalia Glacier from Santiago de Chile, you have to take a four and a half flight to Puerto Natales. Once you get there, you should take out a tour that will take you to see the glacier.
• Calluqueo Glacier: Also known as  Cochrane hill, it  is located at the foot of Mount San Lorenzo in the Aysén region in Chile. It is a huge mass of millenary ice that has a beautiful gray color lagoon, product of all the sediments that emerge from the waters from the top of the hill. To get to Calluqueo Glacier, you have to take a flight to the city of Cochrane. Once you get there, you have to drive towards the south of Cochrane and advance about 4.6 kilometers, turn left at the intersection with Ruta x-901, and then drive south for another 44 kilometers.
• Exploradores Glacier: In the heart of Chilean Patagonia, hidden among mountains and old forests, the majestic Exploradores Glacier is located. It is part of the San Rafael Lagoon National Park, and not only an amazing natural spectacle, but also the home of the Patagonian Dragon. To get to Exploradores Glaciers from Santiago de Chile, you have to take a flight to Balmaceda. Once you get there, you have to travel south for another two hours until you get to Puerto Tranquilo and go on an expedition to the Exploradores Glacier.