Change in geomagnetic field intensity alters migration-associated traits in a migratory insect.

ABSTRACT: Geomagnetic field (GMF) intensity can be used by some animals to determine their position during migration. However, its role, if any, in mediating other migration-related phenotypes remains largely unknown. Here, we simulated variation in GMF intensity between two locations along the migration route of a nocturnal insect migrant, the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, that varied by approximately 5 µT in field intensity. After one generation of exposure, we tested for changes in key morphological, behavioural and physiological traits related to migratory performance, including wing dimorphism, flight capacity and positive phototaxis. Our results showed that all three morphological and behavioural phenotypes responded to a small difference in magnetic field intensity. Consistent

SUBMITTER: Wan G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7211463 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature