UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship - Research Library

Subzero temperature adaptations in arthropods from the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii

Author:
Duman, John G., Montgomery, Steven L.
Title:
Subzero temperature adaptations in arthropods from the summit of Mauna Kea, Hawaii
Periodical:
Journal of Experimental Zoology
Year:
1991
Volume:
259
Pages:
409-412
Subject:
Insects alpine climate Wekiu bug Nysius wekiuicola Insects Mauna Kea Spiders Caterpillars
Summary:
A preliminary study of subzero temperature adaptations was made of arthropods that inhabit the barren, alpine stone desert of the summit of Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii. In spite of its tropical location, this mountain, that is located 4200 meters above sea level, commonly experiences snow and nightly subzero temperatures. During this study, collections were made of a noctuid caterpillar (Agrotis sp.), a wolf spider (Lycosa sp.), and the lygaeid bug (Nysius wekiuicola) in the winter month of December. While it was found that he Agrotis caterpillars were freeze tolerant, the spider and wekiu bug were not freeze tolerant. However, while the super cooling point, (SCP), of the spiders were not particularly low, it was felt that these highly mobile arthropods may be able to seek thermally buffered microhabitats when the need arises. With regard to the wekiu bugs, these arthropods showed greater supercooling abilities, although the SCPs were quite variable. As a result, it was shown that the subzero temperature adaptations of the arthropods, from such an isolated subtropical site, are remarkable adaptive capabilities.
Label:
Insects
Date:
1991
Collection:
Periodicals