Effects of within-generation thermal history on the flight performance of Ceratitis capitata: colder is better.

The influence of thermal history on temperature-dependent flight performance was investigated in an invasive agricultural pest insect, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae). Flies were exposed to one of four developmental acclimation temperatures (Tacc: 15, 20, 25, 30°C) during their pupal stage and tested at these temperatures (Ttest) as adults using a full-factorial study design. Major factors influencing flight performance included sex, body mass, Ttest and the interaction between Ttest and Tacc.

High metabolic and water-loss rates in caterpillar aggregations: evidence against the resource-conservation hypothesis.

Several hypotheses have been proposed for explaining animal aggregation, including energy or water conservation. However, these physiological hypotheses have not been well investigated. Here, we report the effects of aggregation on metabolic ( ) and evaporative water-loss rates ( ) of the gregarious caterpillar Eutricha capensis, by comparing individuals and groups of individuals (N=10-100).