Adaptations of a native Subantarctic flightless fly to dehydration stress: More plastic than we throught?

Isabel C. Barrio (1, 2) , David S. Hik (2) , Maryvonne Charrier (3) , Yves Frenot (3) , D Renault (3)

1 Pyrenean Institute of Ecology (CSIC)
2 Department of Biological Sciences [Edmonton]
3 ECOBIO - Ecosystèmes, biodiversité, évolution [Rennes]

Water conservation is a critical aspect affecting the survival, distribution and abundance of terrestrial arthropods. In this study we investigate mechanisms of dehydration tolerance of the native, flightless fly, Calycopteryx moseleyi, inhabiting contrasting environments at two localities in the Kerguelen Islands. We compare the survival abilities and management of body water content of adult flies from two different ecophenotypes when exposed to conditions of low relative humidity. Our results suggest a broad plasticity in the responses of C. moseleyi to desiccation, showing distinct local adaptations to environmental conditions.

Keywords: Calycopteryx moseleyi; Pringlea antiscorbutica; desiccation; Kerguelen Islands; survival; water balance

Domains: Environmental Sciences; Biodiversity and Ecology

Isabel C. Barrio, David S. Hik, Maryvonne Charrier, Yves Frenot, D Renault. Adaptations of a native Subantarctic flightless fly to dehydration stress: More plastic than we throught?. Czech Polar Reports, 2014, 4 (2), pp.123-128. ⟨10.5817/CPR2014-2-12⟩. ⟨hal-01120836⟩