Temperature during pupal development affects hoverfly developmental time, adult life span, and wing length

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Pollination Biology
• Insect Ecology

Background:

• Hoverflies (Syrphidae) are vital pollinators, second only to bees.
• The dronefly Eristalis tenax is a globally distributed species found in various climates.
• Understanding how developmental temperature affects hoverfly traits is crucial but poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of pupal rearing temperature on Eristalis tenax development and adult traits.
• To identify optimal developmental temperatures for E. tenax to maximize survival and fitness.

Main Methods:

• Eristalis tenax pupae were reared across a temperature range from 10°C to 25°C.
• Key adult traits including eclosion rates, wing size, longevity, activity, coloration, and weight were quantified.
• The effects of developmental temperature on these traits were analyzed.

Main Results:

• An optimal rearing temperature of 17°C resulted in higher eclosion rates, larger wings, and increased adult longevity.
• Temperatures deviating from the 17°C optimum negatively impacted eclosion, wing size, and survival.
• Locomotor activity, coloration, and weight were not significantly affected by rearing temperature.

Conclusions:

• Developmental temperature significantly influences key fitness traits in Eristalis tenax.
• An optimal temperature of 17°C maximizes E. tenax development, suggesting implications for understanding pollinator populations.
• Findings offer insights for potential applications in horticulture and pollinator management.