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Linking Predation Risk, Herbivore Physiological Stress and Microbial Decomposition of Plant Litter
Published on: March 12, 2013
Increased temperature reduces herbivore host-plant quality.
Stephanie S Bauerfeind1, Klaus Fischer
1Zoological Institute & Museum, University of Greifswald, Johann-Sebastian-Bach Str. 11/12, Greifswald, 17489, Germany.
Rising global temperatures impact insect herbivores directly and indirectly through host plants. Warmer temperatures reduce butterfly growth and food conversion efficiency, especially when plants are also heat-stressed.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Climate Change Biology
- Insect Physiology
Background:
- Insect herbivore performance is temperature-dependent, affecting growth and development.
- Indirect effects of temperature on host-plant quality are poorly understood but can significantly alter herbivore responses to climate change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct and indirect effects of temperature on the larval growth and life-history traits of the butterfly Pieris napi.
- To determine how temperature influences host-plant quality and its subsequent impact on herbivore performance.
Main Methods:
- A full-factorial design was employed, manipulating larval and host-plant temperatures independently (17°C vs. 25°C).
- Larval growth, body mass, development time, food intake, and food conversion efficiency were measured.
Main Results:
- Direct warming prolonged development and increased body mass at lower temperatures.
- Higher temperatures reduced food conversion efficiency and increased food intake, indicating compensatory feeding.
- Larvae feeding on plants grown at higher temperatures exhibited reduced body mass, longer development, increased food intake, and lower food conversion efficiency, signifying reduced host-plant quality.
Conclusions:
- Temperature-mediated changes in host-plant quality significantly impact herbivore performance.
- These indirect effects can exacerbate the negative consequences of global warming on insect populations.
- Forecasting species' responses to climate change requires consideration of these overlooked indirect effects.

