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ENVIRONMENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND BEHAVIOURAL DETERMINANTS OF BODY TEMPERATURE IN GRASSHOPPER NYMPHS (ORTHOPTERA: ACRIDIDAE)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

Derek J. Lactin  and
Dan L. Johnson
Derek J. Lactin
Affiliation:
The University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Dan L. Johnson*
Affiliation:
The University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, and Land Resource Sciences Section, Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1
*
1 Author to whom all correspondence should be sent.
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Abstract

We describe a model which estimates grasshopper body temperature (Tb) by linking energy-flow equations with empirical descriptions of aboveground gradients of air temperature (Ta) and wind speed. The model was tested using restrained grasshopper nymphs; estimated and observed Tb agreed well (r2 > 0.81). At a rangeland site near Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada (49 °42′N, 112 °48′W), we observed 315 free-living grasshoppers. We recorded the shadow each cast on a horizontal surface, then reconstructed their orientation to the sun by geometric analysis. We used the model to estimate their Tb and the range and frequency of possible Tb within their environment. Modelled Tb exceeded Ta, and was generally lower than the modelled maximum possible Tb, but was well correlated with Tb of insects on top of the dense layer of vegetation which pervaded the site. This observation suggests that behaviours which elevate Tb are constrained by environmental barriers. Tb exceeded the value expected if insects were located and oriented randomly within their environment (mean difference = 3.95 °C, SE = 0.115); this is unequivocal evidence for behavioural thermoregulation. Heuristic simulations using temperature-dependent developmental- and feeding-rate equations for Melanoplus sanguinipes (Fabricius) suggest that thermoregulatory behaviour increased these rates by 30–40% compared with those for insects located and oriented randomly within their environment. During this study, population processes were never inhibited by excess heat; therefore any climatic warming at the experimental site will probably accelerate the phenology of these grasshopper species. Effects at other sites may differ; the model can be applied to test this possibility.

Résumé

Le modèle proposé ici permet d’estimer la température du corps des criquets (Tb) en reliant des équations basées sur le flux énergétique à des descriptions empiriques des gradients de la température de l’air (Ta) et de la vitesse du vent. Le modèle a été testé sur des larves de criquets limitées dans leurs mouvements; les températures Tb estimée et réelle étaient semblables (r2 > 0,81). A un site situé près de Lethbridge, Canada (49 ° 42′N, 112 ° 48′O), nous avons observé 315 criquets en liberté. Nous avons noté l’ombre de chacun sur une surface horizontale, ensuite avons déterminé son orientation par rapport au soleil au moyen d’une analyse géomégrique. Nous avons utilisé le modèle pour estimer la température Tb des criquets, de même que l’étendue et la fréquence des températures Tb possibles dans ce milieu. La température Tb estimée d’après le modèle était supérieure à la température Ta, et était généralement inférieure à la température Tb maximale possible d’après le modèle, mais était en forte corrélation avec la température Tb des insectes sur l’épaisse couche de végétation présente dans leur milieu. Cette constatation semble indiquer que les comportements qui peuvent élever la température Tb sont limités par des barrières environnementales. La température Tb enregistrée dépasse la valeur théorique prédite si on assume que les insectes se situent et s’orientent au hasard dans leur milieu (différence moyenne = 3,95 °C, erreur type = 0,115); il s’agit là d’une preuve certaine du contrôle comportemental de la température chez ces criquets. Des simulations heuristiques basées sur des équations décrivant le taux de développement et le taux d’alimentation en fonction de la température chez Melanoplus sanguinipes indiquent que le comportement thermorégulateur augmente ces taux de 30 à 40% par rapport à ceux enregistrés chez des insectes qui se positionnent et s’orientent au hasard dans leur milieu. Au cours de l’étude, la dynamique des populations n’a jamais été inhibée par une température excessive; tout réchauffement climatique au site expérimental résultera probablement en une accélération de la phénologie de ces espèces de criquets. Les résultats peuvent différer à d’autres endroits; le modèle peut servir à tester cette possibilité. [Traduit par le Rédaction]

Type
Articles
Information
The Canadian Entomologist , Volume 130 , Issue 5 , October 1998 , pp. 551 - 577
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1998

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