Climate Change and Temperate Zone Insects: The Tyranny of Thermodynamics Meets the World of Limited Resources

Abstract

Climate change will result in warmer temperatures and an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Given that higher temperatures increase the reproductive rate of temperate zone insects, insect population growth rates are predicted to increase in the temperate zone in response to climate. This consensus, however, rests on the assumption that food is freely available. However, under conditions of limited food, the reproductive output of the Texan cricket Gryllus texensis (Cade and Otte) was highest at its current normal average temperature and declined with increasing temperature. Moreover, low food availability decreased survival during a simulated heat wave. Therefore, the effects of climate change on this species, and possibly on many others, are likely to hinge on food availability. Extrapolation from our data suggests that G. texensis will show larger yearly fluctuations in population size as climate change continues, and this will also have ecological repercussions. Only those temperate zone insects with a ready supply of food (e.g., agricultural pests) are likely to experience the predicted increase in population growth in response to climate change; food-limited species are likely to experience a population decline.

Simulated Seasonal Photoperiods and Fluctuating Temperatures Have Limited Effects on Blood Feeding and Life History inAedes triseriatus(Diptera: Culicidae)

“…These results suggest that if resources are of poor quality, A. triseriatus may have reduced survivorship at higher temperatures even if the daily mean temperature is lower. Temperature has been shown to alter the effects of poor resource quality, or starvation, on insect survival (Adamo et al 2012). There is a lack of published data on the effects of photoperiod on mosquito larval survival.…”

Emerging issues in Integrated Pest Management Implementation and Adoption in the North Central USA

“…There are several recently invading or approaching pests in the North Central region that we must quickly learn how to deal with, including western bean cutworm ( Striacosta albicosta), brown marmorated stink bug ( Halyomorpha halys), and Japanese beetle ( Popillia japonica). Climate change, with the projected hotter, drier summers in the North Central region may be profoundly destabilizing of agroecosystems (Adamo et al 2012). Rising CO 2 levels themselves can affect plant resistance to insect herbivores (Casteel et al 2012).…”

Constraints to Vegetable Production Resulting from Pest and Diseases Induced by Climate Change and Globalization: A Review

“…Climate change can result in extreme weather events that can have an impact in agricultural production and insect pests and diseases (Adamo et al, 2012). These extreme events include long periods of drought spells, long spells of heavy rainfall and extreme high temperatures (Rosenzweig et al, 2001).…”

“…The long spells of high temperatures and drought are linked to El Nino scenarios (Rosenzweig et al, 2001). Long dry spells and drought can enhance insect population growth rates and reproduction rates (Adamo et al, 2012). Pests found in the temperate regions are predicted to be more affected by extreme weather events.…”

“…Pests found in the temperate regions are predicted to be more affected by extreme weather events. They are predicted to increase in population during long dry spells (Adamo et al, 2012). A study was done in South Africa on some of the problematic fruit flies (Ceratitis capitata) commonly known as the medfly and C. rosa commonly known as the Natal fruit fly.…”