Climate change‐mediated temperature extremes and insects: From outbreaks to breakdowns

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that a mass extinction event is in its early stages across much of the biosphere (Ceballos et al., 2017; Dirzo et al., 2014; Pievani, 2014). Well-studied species (vascular plants, vertebrates) have lost as much as 60% of genetic diversity over the past 50 years alone (Ripple et al., 2017). Recent studies are reporting that terrestrial insect biomass and/or diversity are also declining in some re

The impacts of heat stress on animal cognition: Implications for adaptation to a changing climate

“…Below we review the evidence for effects of elevated temperatures on cognition and discuss potential fitness implications. We refer the reader to other studies (Buchholz et al, 2019; Cunningham et al, 2021; Diele‐Viegas & Rocha, 2018; Harvey et al, 2020; Stillman, 2019) for a review of the behavioral and physiological responses to increased temperatures.…”

Scientific review of the impact of climate change on plant pests

“…Regarding insect pests, projections by Kocmánková et al (2011) suggest that the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) and Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) will probably increase their ranges in many parts of Europe, colonize higher altitudes, and increase their annual number of generations, as a result of a projected temperature increase. On the other hand, climate warming may cause temperature increases which are near the upper lethal limit of some insect species, especially during the summer in temperate climates (Bale and Hayward, 2010;Harvey et al, 2020) and in the already very warm tropics (Deutsch et al, 2008). This variation in impact with geographical location means that generalizations should be treated with extreme caution and researchers need to be very careful when extrapolating their results (Juroszek et al, 2020).…”

An endangered flightless grasshopper with strong genetic structure maintains population genetic variation despite extensive habitat loss

“…As with other animals, terrestrial invertebrates are increasingly being threatened by habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, pesticides, and other threats connected to human activities (Black & Vaughan, 2009; Hafernik, 1992; Wagner & Van Driesche, 2010). Thus, terrestrial invertebrate population declines and extinction rates over the last few 100 years can match those of vertebrates and vascular plants (Harvey et al., 2020; Leidner & Neel, 2011; Thomas & Morris, 1994). Despite this rate of decline and the role of threatened invertebrates in essential ecosystem services such as pollination (Kim, 1993; Wagner & Van Driesche, 2010), there is still only a limited focus on their conservation around the world, including in Australia (Sands, 2018).…”