Comparative genome sequencing reveals genomic signature of extreme desiccation tolerance in the anhydrobiotic midge

The African chironomid midge, Polypedilum vanderplanki, is able to withstand extreme desiccation. Here the authors sequence the genomes of a desiccation-tolerant and desiccation-sensitive species of chironomid midge and pinpoint genes that may have a role in conferring resistance to desiccation.