Abstract
AbstractIn a world grappling with climate change, understanding the enduring impact of changes in temperature on insect adult traits is crucial. Here, we explored the intricate dynamics of exposure to different temperatures in threeDrosophilaspecies:Drosophila ezoanaoriginating in Arctic regions,D. novamexicanain arid, hot environments, and in the cosmopolitan speciesD. virilis. Rearing these flies at 15, 20, 25, and 30°C revealed striking variations in their cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles, known to mediate mate recognition and prevent water loss in insects. The cold-adaptedD. ezoanaconsistently exhibited reduced CHC levels with increasing temperatures, while the warm-adaptedD. novamexicanaand the cosmopolitanD. virilisdisplayed more nuanced responses. Additionally, we observed a significant influence of rearing temperature on the mating behavior of these flies, where those reared at the extreme tempreatures, 15 and 30°C, exhibiting reduced mating success. Consequently, this led to a decrease in the production of adult offspring. Also these adult offspring underwent notable alterations in life history traits, reaching adulthood more rapidly at 25 and 30°C but with lower weight and reduced longevity. Furthermore, among these offspring, those produced by the cold-adaptedD. ezoanawere more vulnerable to desiccation and starvation compared to those from the warm-adaptedD. novamexicanaand the cosmopolitanD. virilis. In summary, our research underscores the intricate interplay between temperature, ecological adaptation and various life history traits inDrosophilaspecies from distinct agro-ecological regions. The observed variations in CHC profiles, mating behavior, fertility and responses to environmental stressors collectively provide valuable insights into how environmental conditions shape the biology and ecology of insects.
Publisher
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory