Dispersal, Wing Morphology and Physiology relationships in <i> Euphydryas Gillettii </I> and implications for conservation
Abstract
Dispersal is important for recolonization, migration and maintenance of local metapopulations and populations, in case of disruption in an animal's habitat. Morphology (wing loading and wing aspect ratio) and physiology (metabolic rates) are features that have been shown to explain dispersal processes in insects. However, there are no studies indicating the direct relationship between morphology and metabolic rates in association with dispersal. I studied Euphydryas gillettii butterflies at Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory, Colorado to assess the link between wing morphology and metabolic rates and their influence on dispersal within different sites at RMBL. Individuals that dispersed to other sites had greater wing wear (an age estimate) and greater wing loading. The total flight distance increased with increasing residual resting metabolic rate (RMR), that is, RMR adjusted for body mass. Residual flight metabolic rate (FMR) and peak metabolic rates (PMR) were related to wing loading. Residual FMR was greater for greater wing loading. Residual PMR was also greater for greater wing loading, but only in females. Overall, greater wing wear, greater wing loading and greater RMR are indicative of better dispersal in E. gillettii, but these three morphological and physiological characteristics are not linked to each other. These findings regarding dispersal characteristics of E. gillettii butterflies can help inform conservation strategies prior to any reintroduction and translocation efforts. More species-specific dispersal studies underpinning an organism's dispersal mechanisms can minimize difficulties due to unpredicted dispersal reportedly faced by managers during the translocation-reintroduction processes. v
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References (36)
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