Temperature and humidity responses of the arctic‐alpine seed bug Nysius groenlandicus
Abstract Field observations in Greenland as well as arena choice experiments showed that the arctic‐alpine seed bug Nysius groenlandicus (Zetterstedt) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) is markedly xerophilous and thermophilous, preferring temperatures around 30 °C. Some variation in thermo‐preference was fou...
| Published in: | Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2001
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1570-7458.2001.00831.x https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1046%2Fj.1570-7458.2001.00831.x https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1046/j.1570-7458.2001.00831.x |
| Summary: | Abstract Field observations in Greenland as well as arena choice experiments showed that the arctic‐alpine seed bug Nysius groenlandicus (Zetterstedt) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) is markedly xerophilous and thermophilous, preferring temperatures around 30 °C. Some variation in thermo‐preference was found among individuals from different localities in Greenland. Individuals from an inland locality (Søndre Strømfjord/Kangerlussuaq) had the highest temperature preference. Exposing individuals to rising temperature showed very high thresholds for excessive activity (ca. 41 °C), heat stupor (ca. 51 °C) and death (ca. 52 °C). All stages initially preferred the lowest humidity obtainable but gradually changed to higher humidities. The youngest nymph stages were most tolerant to desiccation. The observed preferences are interpreted as adaptations to a habitat where a warm and dry microclimate allows this obligatorily univoltine species to complete its life cycle within one year. The paper presents some general statistical approaches to analyses of behavioural responses to environmental gradients. |
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