Adaptations of a native Subantarctic flightless fly to dehydration stress: More plastic than we throught?

• Published in: Czech Polar Reports
• Main Authors: Barrio, Isabel C., Hik, David S., Charrier, Maryvonne, Frenot, Yves, Renault, D
• Other Authors: Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (CSIC), Department of Biological Sciences Edmonton, University of Alberta, Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution Rennes (ECOBIO), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Observatoire des Sciences de l'Univers de Rennes (OSUR)-Institut Ecologie et Environnement (INEE), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université de Rennes 1 (UR1), Université de Rennes (UNIV-RENNES)-Université de Rennes (UNIV-RENNES)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: HAL CCSD 2014
• Subjects: Calycopteryx moseleyi; Pringlea antiscorbutica; desiccation; Kerguelen Islands; survival; water balance; [SDE.BE]Environmental Sciences/Biodiversity and Ecology; Kerguelen
• Online Access: https://hal-univ-rennes1.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01120836; https://doi.org/10.5817/CPR2014-2-12

International audience Water conservation is a critical aspect affecting the survival, distribution and abundance of terrestrial arthropods. In this study we investigate mechanisms of dehydration tolerance of the native, flightless fly, Calycopteryx moseleyi, inhabiting contrasting environments at two localities in the Kerguelen Islands. We compare the survival abilities and management of body water content of adult flies from two different ecophenotypes when exposed to conditions of low relative humidity. Our results suggest a broad plasticity in the responses of C. moseleyi to desiccation, showing distinct local adaptations to environmental conditions.