Comparative temperature and water relations and hemolymph osmoregulation in the desert insects, Taeniopoda eques and Schistocerca vaga (orthoptera, acrididae)

Abstract

1. 1. The temperature and water relations of Taenipoda eques and Schistocerca vaga were investigated. At 12% RH, the upper lt 50 was 43.4 and 41.8°C for T. eques and S. vaga, respectively. Lower lt 50 values were −5.1 and −4.9°C. At 72% RH, lethal temperatures were 42.8 and 40.7, and −4.9 and −4.8°C. 2. 2. Under dry air conditions, these insects exhibit EWL rates that fall within the range reported for xeric-adapted arthropods. 3. 3. Higher hemolymph osmolality values were associated with exposure to lower temperatures and changes in osmolality were associated with temperature and moisture stress.