Respiratory Metabolism of sub-Antarctic insects from different habitats on Marion Island

摘要

Oxygen uptake of the foliage-dwelling larvae ofEmbryonopsis halticellaEaton (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) and adults ofEctemnorhinus marioniJeannel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), the litter-dwelling larvae ofPringleophaga marioni(Lepidoptera: Tineidae) and the wrack-dwellingParactora dreuxiSéguy (Diptera: Helcomyzidae) was examined over the range of temperatures experienced by these insects in their microhabitats. With the exception of the kelp fly,P. dreuxi, Q10s and activation energies were generally lower than those found in temperate and Arctic insects, but were similar to values found in beetles from sub-Antarctic South Georgia Island. Q10and activation energy of each species reflected the temperature regime found in its microhabitat. Activation energies of the Marion Island species were intermediate between those found in temperate and polar arthropods, but towards the polar end of the range. The hypothesis that insects are capable of showing respiratory adaptation to temperature is supported