1
|
Guillermo-Ferreira R, Gorb SN. Heat-distribution in the body and wings of the morpho dragonfly Zenithoptera lanei (Anisoptera: Libellulidae) and a possible mechanism of thermoregulation. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/blaa216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Animals that live in hot environments must deal with extreme temperatures and overcome the constraints imposed by overheating. Some species exhibit remarkable adaptations to control body temperature, usually in the form of structures that act as thermal windows to cool down the body by dissipating heat. Here, we describe the case of the dragonfly Zenithoptera lanei, which inhabits open areas in the Neotropical Savannah and the Amazon. Males have striking and unique adaptations on the wings, not known in any other insect. The wings are covered with wax nanocrystals that reflect ultraviolet light and infrared radiation. Furthermore, the wing membrane is permeated by an intricate system of tracheae, another unique trait in Insecta. We hypothesized that these adaptations might be important not only for intraspecific communication, but also for thermoregulation. We analysed male body and wing temperatures and compared them with another dragonfly with common translucent wings. The results suggest that the dorsal wing surface acts as a cooling system, whereas the ventral surface might serve to elevate body temperature. Therefore, we conclude that Z. lanei possesses adaptations that are unique in nature; a complex system of thermoregulation with the dual function of cooling down or elevating body temperature, depending on wing position.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 1–9, D-24098 Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Turlure C, Schtickzelle N, Dubois Q, Baguette M, Dennis RLH, Van Dyck H. Suitability and Transferability of the Resource-Based Habitat Concept: A Test With an Assemblage of Butterflies. Front Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2019.00127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
|
3
|
Should I stay or should I go? Perching damselfly use simple colour and size cues to trigger flight. Anim Behav 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|