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Lento M, Vommaro ML, Flaminio S, Brandmayr P, Giglio A. Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla in five species of solitary bees (Hymenoptera, Apoidea). ARTHROPOD STRUCTURE & DEVELOPMENT 2024; 82:101382. [PMID: 39241691 DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2024.101382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Solitary bees play a crucial role in ecological systems, contributing to the pollination of crops and wild plants. All females are reproductive, and their habitat requirements include nesting sites, food resources and nesting materials. Although these activities require the ability to detect biotic and abiotic stimuli in the environment, the sensory system of these species is poorly studied. In this study, the antennal sensilla of five solitary bee species belonging to three Apoidea families were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. These included two species of stem-nesting bees, Ceratina cucurbitina (Rossi, 1792) (Apidae) and Osmia scutellaris (Morawitz, 1868) (Megachilidae), and three species of ground-nesting bees, Lasioglossum brevicorne (Schenck, 1870), Lasioglossum leucozonium (Schrank, 1781), and Lasioglossum villosulum (Kirby, 1802) (Halictidae). Thirteen different types of antennal sensilla were identified in females based on their morphological characteristics: sensilla trichodea (subtypes STI, II, III), chaetica (subtypes SchI, II), basiconica (subtypes SBI, II, III, IV), placodea, campaniformia, coeloconica, and ampullacea. Their functional role was discussed and morphology was compared among the species and within the antennal segments in each species. The results provide a baseline for further physiological and behavioural studies to determine the role of antennal sensilla in habitat selection, food search and nesting site selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lento
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy
| | - Maria Luigia Vommaro
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy
| | - Simone Flaminio
- Laboratory of Zoology, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Pietro Brandmayr
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy.
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Cui Y, Zhang M, Zhu H, Yang P, Yang B, Li Z. Fine Structure of the Mouthparts of Three Tomicus Beetles Co-Infecting Pinus yunnanensis in Southwestern China with Some Functional Comments. INSECTS 2023; 14:933. [PMID: 38132606 PMCID: PMC10743386 DOI: 10.3390/insects14120933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Tomicus yunnanensis, T. brevipilosus, and T. minor are the most economically significant pests of Pinus yunnanensis in Southwestern China. Chemical and physical factors play critical roles in diverse biological activities. Here, we describe the fine structure of the adult mouthparts of these three Tomicus species using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We identified three types of mandibular shapes, which determine their biomechanical properties, their ability to process food, and their preferred foraging locations on tree trunks. Eleven types of sensilla were discernible, including sensilla basiconica (Sb.1-2), sensilla twig basiconica (Stb.1-3), sensilla coeloconica (Sco), sensilla chaetica (Sch.1-2), sensilla trichoidea (Str.1-2), and sensilla digitiformia (Sdi). Each basiconic sensillum occurs on the palpal tips and is innervated by 2-6 dendrites. Sb.1 are gustatory receptors, Sb.2 are olfactory receptors, and the three other sensilla have dual taste and mechanical functions. Sco, Sch, and Str are mechanoreceptors. Sdi are mechanical vibration receptions, given that they are innervated by one dendrite with numerous dendritic branches into the nonporous cuticle. No significant differences among the sexes or species were identified; however, intraspecific variability in the number of Stb.3 and Sdi sensilla was evident. These results will aid future studies of Tomicus beetle behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajie Cui
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.)
| | - Mengdie Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.)
| | - Haidi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.)
| | - Pei Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China;
| | - Bin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.)
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Zongbo Li
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.C.); (M.Z.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.)
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
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Salzman S, Dahake A, Kandalaft W, Valencia-Montoya WA, Calonje M, Specht CD, Raguso RA. Cone humidity is a strong attractant in an obligate cycad pollination system. Curr Biol 2023; 33:1654-1664.e4. [PMID: 37015222 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Studies of pollination biology often focus on visual and olfactory aspects of attraction, with few studies addressing behavioral responses and morphological adaptation to primary metabolic attributes. As part of an in-depth study of obligate nursery pollination of cycads, we find that Rhopalotria furfuracea weevils show a strong physiological response and behavioral orientation to the cone humidity of the host plant Zamia furfuracea in an equally sensitive manner to their responses to Z. furfuracea-produced cone volatiles. Our results demonstrate that weevils can perceive fine-scale differences in relative humidity (RH) and that individuals exhibit a strong behavioral preference for higher RH in binary choice assays. Host plant Z. furfuracea produces a localized cloud of higher than ambient humidity around both pollen and ovulate cones, and R. furfuracea weevils preferentially land at the zone of maximum humidity on ovulate cones, i.e., the cracks between rows of megasporophylls that provide access to the ovules. Moreover, R. furfuracea weevils exhibit striking antennal morphological traits associated with RH perception, suggesting the importance of humidity sensing in the evolution of this insect lineage. Results from this study suggest that humidity functions in a signal-like fashion in this highly specialized pollination system and help to characterize a key pollination-mediating trait in an ancient plant lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayla Salzman
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA; School of Integrative Plant Science, Section of Plant Biology and the L.H. Bailey Hortorium, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
| | - Ajinkya Dahake
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - William Kandalaft
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Wendy A Valencia-Montoya
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | | | - Chelsea D Specht
- School of Integrative Plant Science, Section of Plant Biology and the L.H. Bailey Hortorium, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Robert A Raguso
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
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Ultrastructure of the Sensilla on the Antennae and Mouthparts of Bean Weevils, Megabruchidius dorsalis (Coleoptera: Bruchinae). INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12121112. [PMID: 34940200 PMCID: PMC8706279 DOI: 10.3390/insects12121112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary In this paper, we used scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to describe the morphological types, number of sensilla, and their distributions on the antennae and mouthparts of both sexes of the bean weevil, Megabruchidius dorsalis (Coleoptera: Bruchinae). The results showed twelve subtypes on antennal sensilla and five types of sensilla on maxillary and labial palps. No sexual dimorphism in sensilla type was observed, but there were variations between male and female in the numbers and distribution along with the antennae. In addition, we discussed potential function related to structure, through comparisons with previous studies of bruchids and other insects. This information will support further studies of semiochemicals as effective biological controls of this pest. Abstract Megabruchidius dorsalis (Fåhraeus, 1839) (Coleoptera: Bruchinae) is an important pest that damages the seeds of Gleditsia L. (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae). This beetle searches for host plants with its sensory system. To further explore the mechanisms of host location and to understand the ultrastructure of M. dorsalis, we examined the morphology and distribution of its sensilla on the antennae and mouthparts of male and female adults, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both male and female antennae are serrated and can be divided into scape, pedicel, and flagellum. There were seven types and eight subtypes of antennal sensilla, including Bőhm bristles (BB), two subtypes of sensilla trichoid (ST1, ST2), two subtypes of sensilla chaetica (SC1, SC2), four subtypes of sensilla basiconic (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4), sensilla cavity (SCa), sensilla auricillica (SA), and sensilla gemmiformium (SG). Five types of maxillary and labial palp sensilla in the mouthparts were observed: sensilla chaetica (SC), sensilla trichoidea (ST), sensilla styloconica (SSt), sensilla coeloconica (SCo), and sensilla digitiform (SD). No sexual dimorphism in sensilla type was observed, but there were variations between males and females in the numbers and distribution along the antennae. There were more SA in males than in females, while the number of ST sensilla in the maxillary palps were lower in males than in females. ST1 were most abundant in both sexes. We discussed potential function related to structure via comparisons with previous investigations of bruchids and other insects. Our results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on sensory physiological function, using semiochemicals as effective biological controls of M. dorsalis.
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Schmitz A, Schmitz H. Sensory equipment and adaptations to the fire habitat of the antennae of the Australian ´firebeetle´ Merimna atrata (Coleoptera; Buprestidae). ZOOMORPHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00435-021-00543-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe ‘Australian firebeetle’ Merimna atrata approaches fires in Eucalyptus forests for reproduction. Beetles stay on a postfire area as long as burning wood or hot ashes emit heat and smoke. Abdominal infrared receptors protect the beetles from landing on hot spots; however, until now fire-specific adaptations of the antennae have not been investigated in more detail. This affects the localization of olfactory sensilla used for the perception of smoke and in addition mechanisms to protect delicate sensilla against desiccation and pollution. Moreover, nothing was known about antennal thermo-/hygroreceptors in Merimna atrata. We found strong evidence for a functional grouping of the sensilla into receptors used on the ground or in flight, respectively. A first group comprises the outer visible sensilla, i.e. mechanosensory bristles, short gustatory sensilla and a small field of very short olfactory sensilla. They are used when the beetle is running around on the fireground on burnt bark or ashes. A second group of sensilla is hidden in closeable cavities on antennomeres 4–11. If the cavities are closed, the sensilla inside are fully protected. If the cavities are opened in flight, the beetles can make use of many multiporous basiconic sensilla and multiporous basiconic grooved peg sensilla for smoke detection. Minute modified sensilla coelocapitula occurring in small numbers in the cavities too, most probably serve as thermoreceptors. As a result the placing of sensilla deserving protection in closeable cavities and the reduction in number and length of the external sensilla can be interpreted as adaptations to the fire habitat.
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Li DZ, Huang XF, Yang RN, Chen JY, Wang MQ. Functional Analysis of Two Odorant-Binding Proteins, MaltOBP9 and MaltOBP10, in Monochamus alternatus Hope. Front Physiol 2020; 11:317. [PMID: 32351402 PMCID: PMC7174603 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) are important for the perception of chemical signals by insects. Effective pest management strategies can be developed by understanding the host location mechanism and the physiological functions of OBPs in olfactory detection. In this study, we cloned two OBPs from Monochamus alternatus, where MaltOBP9 was highly expressed in multiple insect tissues and MaltOBP10 was highly expressed in the female antenna according to the results of qRT-PCR. The recombinant proteins were successfully purified in vitro. Immunocytochemistry indicated the high expression of MaltOBP9 and MaltOBP10 in the sensillum lymph of sensilla basiconica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla auricillica, and sensilla chaetica, thereby demonstrating their broad participation in semiochemical detection. Both proteins were localized in the inner cavity of mechanoreceptors and they exhibited broad binding abilities with volatiles from pine bark according to fluorescence competitive binding assays. Due to its broad binding ability and distribution, MaltOBP9 may be involved in various physiological processes as well as olfactory detection. MaltOBP10 appears to play a role in the fundamental olfactory recognition process of female adults according to its broad binding ability. These findings suggest that OBPs may have various physiological functions in insects, thereby providing novel insights into the olfactory receptive mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Zhen Li
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Huang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui-Nan Yang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Man-Qun Wang
- Hubei Insect Resources Utilization and Sustainable Pest Management Key Laboratory, College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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Merivee E, Must A, Nurme K, Di Giulio A, Muzzi M, Williams I, Mänd M. Neural Code for Ambient Heat Detection in Elaterid Beetles. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:1. [PMID: 32116586 PMCID: PMC7016213 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental thermal conditions play a major role at all levels of biological organization; however, there is little information on noxious high temperature sensation crucial in behavioral thermoregulation and survival of small ectothermic animals such as insects. So far, a capability to unambiguously encode heat has been demonstrated only for the sensory triad of the spike bursting thermo- and two bimodal hygro-thermoreceptor neurons located in the antennal dome-shaped sensilla (DSS) in a carabid beetle. We used extracellular single sensillum recording in the range of 20-45°C to demonstrate that a similar sensory triad in the elaterid Agriotes obscurus also produces high temperature-induced bursty spike trains. Several parameters of the bursts are temperature dependent, allowing the neurons in a certain order to encode different, but partly overlapping ranges of heat up to lethal levels in a graded manner. ISI in a burst is the most useful parameter out of six. Our findings consider spike bursting as a general, fundamental quality of the classical sensory triad of antennal thermo- and hygro-thermoreceptor neurons widespread in many insect groups, being a flexible and reliable mode of coding unfavorably high temperatures. The possible involvement of spike bursting in behavioral thermoregulation of the beetles is discussed. By contrast, the mean firing rate of the neurons in regular and bursty spike trains combined does not carry useful thermal information at the high end of noxious heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enno Merivee
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anne Must
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Karin Nurme
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Ingrid Williams
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marika Mänd
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
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Schwerk A, Jaskuła R. Rare patterns of dorsal puncture in Pterostichus oblongopunctatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae). PeerJ 2018; 6:e4657. [PMID: 29692953 PMCID: PMC5912206 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The carabid beetle species Pterostichus oblongopunctatus is common in different types of forests in Poland and Europe. With respect to this species, some unclarities exist concerning the morphological feature of punctures on the elytra. P. oblongopunctatus has dorsal pits in the third interval of the elytra, the available identification keys, however, provide inconsistent information concerning the puncture in other intervals. During long-term studies at different study sites in Poland, the first author rarely but regularly discovered individuals with unusual dorsal puncture patterns, i.e., pits in the fifth and even in the seventh interval of the elytra. Since such rare patterns might be connected with special habitat characteristics, and thus have a potential as an indicator, the aim of the study was to test if they are connected with specific subpopulations (interaction groups), if they are related to the sex or size of the beetles, and if they are related to specific habitat conditions. Material and Methods We counted the pits on the elytra, determined the sex, and measured the length of the right elytron of individuals of P. oblongopunctatus collected at numerous study sites located within the borders of the Regional Directory of National Forests in Piła (Western Poland) over the period 2014–2016. Results Altogether, 1,058 individuals of P. oblongopunctatus were subjected to statistical analysis. Almost 19% of the individuals had a dorsal puncture in the fifth interval of the elytra and about 0.7% had a dorsal puncture in the seventh interval of the elytra. In 2014 and 2015, significantly more females exhibited such unusual patterns of dorsal puncture than males. Even if not statistically significant, in 2016 also relatively more females showed such a pattern. Neither males nor females of the analysed individuals with usual puncture patterns showed a significant difference in the length of the right elytron from those with unusual puncture patterns, and neither for males nor for females a significant correlation of the percentage share of the individuals with unusual puncture patterns with the age of the study sites could be detected. However, both males and females with unusual patterns had more dorsal pits than those without. Moreover, males as well as females showed in all those years a trend that the individuals with unusual patterns have more pits in the third interval of the elytra. Discussion The results indicate that females are more likely to exhibit unusual patterns. Since individuals of P. oblongopunctatus with a higher number of pits on the elytra are supposed to prevail in more wet habitats, such patterns might be related to moisture conditions. The possibility of pits in the seventh interval of the elytra should be added to identification keys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Schwerk
- Laboratory of Evaluation and Assessment of Natural Resources, Faculty of Horticulture, Biotechnology and Landscape Architecture, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Radomir Jaskuła
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
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Nurme K, Merivee E, Must A, Di Giulio A, Muzzi M, Williams I, Mänd M. Bursty spike trains of antennal thermo- and bimodal hygro-thermoreceptor neurons encode noxious heat in elaterid beetles. J Therm Biol 2018; 72:101-117. [PMID: 29496003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to explain the internal fine structure of potential antennal thermo- and hygroreceptive sensilla, their innervation specifics, and responses of the sensory neurons to thermal and humidity stimuli in an elaterid beetle using focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy and electrophysiology, respectively. Several essential, high temperature induced turning points in the locomotion were determined using automated video tracking. Our results showed that the sensilla under study, morphologically, are identical to the dome-shaped sensilla (DSS) of carabids. A cold-hot neuron and two bimodal hygro-thermoreceptor neurons, the moist-hot and dry-hot neuron, innervate them. Above 25-30 °C, all the three neurons, at different threshold temperatures, switch from regular spiking to temperature dependent spike bursting. The percentage of bursty DSS neurons on the antenna increases with temperature increase suggesting that this parameter of the neurons may encode noxious heat in a graded manner. Thus, we show that besides carabid beetles, elaterids are another large group of insects with this ability. The threshold temperature of the beetles for onset of elevated locomotor activity (OELA) was lower by 11.9 °C compared to that of critical thermal maximum (39.4 °C). Total paralysis occurred at 41.8 °C. The threshold temperatures for spike bursting of the sensory neurons in DSS and OELA of the beetles coincide suggesting that probably the spike bursts are responsible for encoding noxious heat when confronted. In behavioural thermoregulation, spike bursting DSS neurons serve as a fast and firm three-fold early warning system for the beetles to avoid overheating and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Nurme
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Enno Merivee
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anne Must
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Ingrid Williams
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marika Mänd
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
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Encoding noxious heat by spike bursts of antennal bimodal hygroreceptor (dry) neurons in the carabid Pterostichus oblongopunctatus. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 368:29-46. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2547-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Zauli A, Maurizi E, Carpaneto GM, Chiari S, Merivee E, Svensson GP, Di Giulio A. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the antennal sensilla in the rare saproxylic beetle Elater ferrugineus (Coleoptera: Elateridae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/11250003.2016.1211766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Zauli
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - E. Maurizi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca per l’Agrobiologia e la Pedologia, Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA-ABP), Firenze, Italy
- Corpo Forestale dello Stato, Centro Nazionale per lo Studio e la Conservazione della Biodiversità Forestale “Bosco Fontana” di Verona (CNBFVR), Marmirolo, Italy
| | | | - S. Chiari
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
- Centro di Ricerca per l’Agrobiologia e la Pedologia, Consiglio per la Ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA-ABP), Firenze, Italy
- Corpo Forestale dello Stato, Centro Nazionale per lo Studio e la Conservazione della Biodiversità Forestale “Bosco Fontana” di Verona (CNBFVR), Marmirolo, Italy
| | - E. Merivee
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - A. Di Giulio
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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Schneider ES, Römer H. "Sensory structures on the antennal flagella of two katydid species of the genus Mecopoda (Orthoptera, Tettigonidae)". Micron 2016; 90:43-58. [PMID: 27585249 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The typology, number and distribution pattern of antennal sensilla in two species of the genus Mecopoda were studied using scanning electron microscopy. The antennae of both sexes of both species attain a length of 10cm. The antenna is made up of three basic segments: the scape, pedicel and flagellum, which is composed of more than 200 flagellomeres. We distinguished two types of sensilla chaetica, one type of sensilla trichodea, five types of sensilla basiconica and one type of sensilla coeloconica. The possible function of the sensilla was discussed. Six types of sensilla were considered as olfactory, one of which could also have a thermo- and hygrosensitive function. The remaining types of sensilla identified had a purely mechanosensory function, a dual gustatory- and mechanosensory function and a thermo- and/or hygrosensory function, respectively. Consistent sex specific differences in the types, numbers and distribution of antennal sensilla were not found. Interspecific differences were identified especially in terms of the numbers of sensilla chaetica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik S Schneider
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens-University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2/1, 8010 Graz, Austria.
| | - Heinrich Römer
- Institute of Zoology, Karl-Franzens-University of Graz, Universitätsplatz 2/1, 8010 Graz, Austria
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Enjin A, Zaharieva EE, Frank DD, Mansourian S, Suh GSB, Gallio M, Stensmyr MC. Humidity Sensing in Drosophila. Curr Biol 2016; 26:1352-8. [PMID: 27161501 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2016.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Environmental humidity influences the fitness and geographic distribution of all animals [1]. Insects in particular use humidity cues to navigate the environment, and previous work suggests the existence of specific sensory mechanisms to detect favorable humidity ranges [2-5]. Yet, the molecular and cellular basis of humidity sensing (hygrosensation) remains poorly understood. Here we describe genes and neurons necessary for hygrosensation in the vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster. We find that members of the Drosophila genus display species-specific humidity preferences related to conditions in their native habitats. Using a simple behavioral assay, we find that the ionotropic receptors IR40a, IR93a, and IR25a are all required for humidity preference in D. melanogaster. Yet, whereas IR40a is selectively required for hygrosensory responses, IR93a and IR25a mediate both humidity and temperature preference. Consistent with this, the expression of IR93a and IR25a includes thermosensory neurons of the arista. In contrast, IR40a is excluded from the arista but is expressed (and required) in specialized neurons innervating pore-less sensilla of the sacculus, a unique invagination of the third antennal segment. Indeed, calcium imaging showed that IR40a neurons directly respond to changes in humidity, and IR40a knockdown or IR93a mutation reduced their responses to stimuli. Taken together, our results suggest that the preference for a specific humidity range depends on specialized sacculus neurons, and that the processing of environmental humidity can happen largely in parallel to that of temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Enjin
- Department of Biology, Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Dominic D Frank
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | | | - Greg S B Suh
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Marco Gallio
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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Nurme K, Merivee E, Must A, Sibul I, Muzzi M, Di Giulio A, Williams I, Tooming E. Responses of the antennal bimodal hygroreceptor neurons to innocuous and noxious high temperatures in the carabid beetle, Pterostichus oblongopunctatus. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2015; 81:1-13. [PMID: 26099925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Electrophysiological responses of thermo- and hygroreceptor neurons from antennal dome-shaped sensilla of the carabid beetle Pterostichus oblongopunctatus to different levels of steady temperature ranging from 20 to 35°C and rapid step-changes in it were measured and analysed at both constant relative and absolute ambient air humidity conditions. It appeared that both hygroreceptor neurons respond to temperature which means that they are bimodal. For the first time in arthropods, the ability of antennal dry and moist neurons to produce high temperature induced spike bursts is documented. Burstiness of the spike trains is temperature dependent and increases with temperature increase. Threshold temperatures at which the two neurons switch from regular spiking to spike bursting are lower compared to that of the cold neuron, differ and approximately coincide with the upper limit of preferred temperatures of the species. We emphasise that, in contrast to various sensory systems studied, the hygroreceptor neurons of P. oblongopunctatus have stable and continuous burst trains, no temporal information is encoded in the timing of the bursts. We hypothesise that temperature dependent spike bursts produced by the antennal thermo- and hygroreceptor neurons may be responsible for detection of noxious high temperatures important in behavioural thermoregulation of carabid beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Nurme
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Enno Merivee
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anne Must
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ivar Sibul
- Institute of Forestry and Rural Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maurizio Muzzi
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Giulio
- Department of Science, University of Roma Tre, Viale G. Marconi 446, I-00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Ingrid Williams
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ene Tooming
- Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi Street 1, 51014 Tartu, Estonia
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Zhang Y, Ren L, Zhang L, Luo Y. Ultrastructure of antennal and posterior abdominal sensilla in Chlorophorus caragana females. Micron 2015; 75:45-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2015.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Ji F, Zhu Y. A novel assay reveals hygrotactic behavior in Drosophila. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119162. [PMID: 25738801 PMCID: PMC4349581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Humidity is one of the most important factors that determines the geographical distribution and survival of terrestrial animals. The ability to detect variation in humidity is conserved across many species. Here, we established a novel behavioral assay that revealed the thirsty Drosophila exhibits strong hygrotactic behavior, and it can locate water by detecting humidity gradient. In addition, exposure to high levels of moisture was sufficient to elicit proboscis extension reflex behavior in thirsty flies. Furthermore, we found that the third antennal segment was necessary for hygrotactic behavior in thirsty flies, while arista was required for the avoidance of moist air in hydrated flies. These results indicated that two types of hygroreceptor cells exist in Drosophila: one located in the third antennal segment that mediates hygrotactic behavior in thirst status, and the other located in arista which is responsible for the aversive behavior toward moist air in hydration status. Using a neural silencing screen, we demonstrated that synaptic output from the mushroom body α/β surface and posterior neurons was required for both hygrotactic behavior and moisture-aversive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiteng Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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Erkut C, Vasilj A, Boland S, Habermann B, Shevchenko A, Kurzchalia TV. Molecular strategies of the Caenorhabditis elegans dauer larva to survive extreme desiccation. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82473. [PMID: 24324795 PMCID: PMC3853187 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Massive water loss is a serious challenge for terrestrial animals, which usually has fatal consequences. However, some organisms have developed means to survive this stress by entering an ametabolic state called anhydrobiosis. The molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. We recently showed that Caenorhabditis elegans dauer larva, an arrested stage specialized for survival in adverse conditions, is resistant to severe desiccation. However, this requires a preconditioning step at a mild desiccative environment to prepare the organism for harsher desiccation conditions. A systems approach was used to identify factors that are activated during this preconditioning. Using microarray analysis, proteomics, and bioinformatics, genes, proteins, and biochemical pathways that are upregulated during this process were identified. These pathways were validated via reverse genetics by testing the desiccation tolerances of mutants. These data show that the desiccation response is activated by hygrosensation (sensing the desiccative environment) via head neurons. This leads to elimination of reactive oxygen species and xenobiotics, expression of heat shock and intrinsically disordered proteins, polyamine utilization, and induction of fatty acid desaturation pathway. Remarkably, this response is specific and involves a small number of functional pathways, which represent the generic toolkit for anhydrobiosis in plants and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Erkut
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
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von Arx M. Floral humidity and other indicators of energy rewards in pollination biology. Commun Integr Biol 2013; 6:e22750. [PMID: 23802044 PMCID: PMC3689576 DOI: 10.4161/cib.22750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Floral traits that correlate with nectar availability or are linked functionally to nectar production carry the potential to enable remote assessment of energy rewards by pollinators. Such floral traits can be considered “honest” in the sense that they convey information about the quality or profitability of a flower to a pollinator. Recently a new sensory channel used in plant-pollinator interactions was identified. We demonstrated that evaporation of water from the nectar itself and the petals create local humidity gradients above Oenothera cespitosa (Onagraceae) flowers. Since these humidity gradients are directly linked to nectar volume, they convey reliable information about nectar rewards to hawkmoth pollinators (Sphingidae). Several studies document a variety of sensory cues that constitute honest signaling between plants and pollinators, and shed light on the central question of when the two parties should communicate honestly. In the following sections, I will comment on different honest signals mediating plant-pollinator interactions, with a special emphasis on our recent findings about floral humidity gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin von Arx
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior; Cornell University; Ithaca, NY USA
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Di Giulio A, Maurizi E, Rossi Stacconi MV, Romani R. Functional structure of antennal sensilla in the myrmecophilous beetle Paussus favieri (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Paussini). Micron 2012; 43:705-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2011.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2011] [Revised: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Floral humidity as a reliable sensory cue for profitability assessment by nectar-foraging hawkmoths. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:9471-6. [PMID: 22645365 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1121624109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most research on plant-pollinator communication has focused on sensory and behavioral responses to relatively static cues. Floral rewards such as nectar, however, are dynamic, and foraging animals will increase their energetic profit if they can make use of floral cues that more accurately indicate nectar availability. Here we document such a cue--transient humidity gradients--using the night blooming flowers of Oenothera cespitosa (Onagraceae). The headspace of newly opened flowers reaches levels of about 4% above ambient relative humidity due to additive evapotranspirational water loss through petals and water-saturated air from the nectar tube. Floral humidity plumes differ from ambient levels only during the first 30 min after anthesis (before nectar is depleted in wild populations), whereas other floral traits (scent, shape, and color) persist for 12-24 h. Manipulative experiments indicated that floral humidity gradients are mechanistically linked to nectar volume and therefore contain information about energy rewards to floral visitors. Behavioral assays with Hyles lineata (Sphingidae) and artificial flowers with appropriate humidity gradients suggest that these hawkmoth pollinators distinguish between subtle differences in relative humidity when other floral cues are held constant. Moths consistently approached and probed flowers with elevated humidity over those with ambient humidity levels. Because floral humidity gradients are largely produced by the evaporation of nectar itself, they represent condition-informative cues that facilitate remote sensing of floral profitability by discriminating foragers. In a xeric environment, this level of honest communication should be adaptive when plant reproductive success is pollinator limited, due to intense competition for the attention of a specialized pollinator.
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Piersanti S, Rebora M, Almaas TJ, Salerno G, Gaino E. Electrophysiological identification of thermo- and hygro-sensitive receptor neurons on the antennae of the dragonfly Libellula depressa. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 57:1391-1398. [PMID: 21801729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent ultrastructural investigations on Odonata antennal flagellum describe two types of sensilla styloconica, T1 and T2. The styloconic sensilla are located in pits, at the bottom of deep cavities, and share common features typical of thermo-hygroreceptors. In order to ascertain if the Odonata antennae are involved in hygroreception and thermoreception, we carried out electrophysiological recordings (single cell recordings, SCR) from adult males and females of Libellula depressa L., 1758. After contact was established, the antenna was stimulated by rapid changes in temperature and humidity. The present research shows the occurrence of a dry (DC), a moist (MC) and a cold (CC) receptor neurons on the antennal flagellum of L. depressa. These data demonstrate for the first time the presence of functional thermo-hygroreceptors on the antennal flagellum of dragonflies. The present results extend our knowledge of the not visual sensory modalities of Odonata, a field of research unexplored so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Piersanti
- Dipartimento di Biologia Cellulare e Ambientale, Via Elce di Sotto 1, Perugia, Italy.
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Chown SL, Sørensen JG, Terblanche JS. Water loss in insects: an environmental change perspective. JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY 2011; 57:1070-84. [PMID: 21640726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinsphys.2011.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2011] [Revised: 05/06/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
In the context of global environmental change much of the focus has been on changing temperatures. However, patterns of rainfall and water availability have also been changing and are expected to continue doing so. In consequence, understanding the responses of insects to water availability is important, especially because it has a pronounced influence on insect activity, distribution patterns, and species richness. Here we therefore provide a critical review of key questions that either are being or need to be addressed in this field. First, an overview of insect behavioural responses to changing humidity conditions and the mechanisms underlying sensing of humidity variation is provided. The primary sensors in insects belong to the temperature receptor protein superfamily of cation channels. Temperature-activated transient receptor potential ion channels, or thermoTRPs, respond to a diverse range of stimuli and may be a primary integrator of sensory information, such as environmental temperature and moisture. Next we touch briefly on the components of water loss, drawing attention to a new, universal model of the water costs of gas exchange and its implications for responses to a warming, and in places drying, world. We also provide an overview of new understanding of the role of the sub-elytral chamber for water conservation, and developments in understanding of the role of cuticular hydrocarbons in preventing water loss. Because of an increasing focus on the molecular basis of responses to dehydration stress we touch briefly on this area, drawing attention to the role of sugars, heat shock proteins, aquaporins, and LEA proteins. Next we consider phenotypic plasticity or acclimation responses in insect water balance after initial exposures to altered humidity, temperature or nutrition. Although beneficial acclimation has been demonstrated in several instances, this is not always the case. Laboratory studies show that responses to selection for enhanced ability to survive water stress do evolve and that genetic variation for traits underlying such responses does exist in many species. However, in others, especially tropical, typically narrowly distributed species, this appears not to be the case. Using the above information we then demonstrate that habitat alteration, climate change, biological invasions, pollution and overexploitation are likely to be having considerable effects on insect populations mediated through physiological responses (or the lack thereof) to water stress, and that these effects may often be non-intuitive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven L Chown
- Centre for Invasion Biology, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
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