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

• Published in: Czech Polar Reports
• Main Authors: Barrio, Isabel C., Hik, D. S., Charrier, M., Frenot, Y., Renault, D.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Masaryk University 2014
• Subjects: Kerguelen; Kerguelen Islands
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10261/125151; https://doi.org/10.5817/CPR2014-2-12

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. Peer Reviewed