Regional-scale climate-induced variation in ant physiology and morphology

Author

Daniel E. Murphy, State University of New York College at BuffaloFollow

Date of Award

8-2022

Access Control

Open Access

Degree Name

Biology, M.A.

Department

Biology Department

Advisor

Robert J. Warren II, Ph.D. Associate Professor

Department Home page

https://biology.buffalostate.edu/

First Reader

Christopher M. Pennuto, Ph.D. Professor of Biology

Second Reader

Gavin M. Leighton, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Biology

Third Reader

Steven J. Vermette, Ph.D. Professor of Geography

Abstract

The biology of ectotherms such as insects is influenced by ambient thermal conditions. Ants are a ubiquitous and ecologically important group of insects and are well-established as bioindicators of thermal conditions. Ants are sensitive to the thermal extremes that vary with latitude, elevation, and land use, and these thermal gradients influence their spatial and temporal distributions. As a result, ants have evolved physiological and morphological thermal adaptations in response to the thermal environment of their habitats. These adaptations include increased physiological and morphological tolerance for temperature extremes. In Western New York (WNY), temperatures are temporally and spatially heterogeneous, changing with the season and in distinct regional climate zones formed by gradients in elevation and proximity to the Great Lakes. Coastal areas are relatively colder in spring and warmer in fall than inland areas, and urbanized areas are relatively warmer year-round. The goal of this study is to assess ants as climate bioindicators by investigating the relationship between ant thermal traits and regional climate variation in Western New York. Though I investigated several ant species, my focus was on two regionally abundant ant species: Aphaenogaster picea (myrmicine) and Lasius americanus (formicine). I repeatedly sampled closed canopy and open areas during the early and late summer of 2020. Ants were tested for minimum and maximum physiological thermal tolerance (CT_min and CT_max) and ant leg length morphology was measured using a stereomicroscope.

Recommended Citation

Murphy, Daniel E., "Regional-scale climate-induced variation in ant physiology and morphology" (2022). Biology Theses. 49.
https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/biology_theses/49