Developmental timing of extreme temperature events (heat waves) disrupts host-parasitoid interactions.

ABSTRACT: When thermal tolerances differ between interacting species, extreme temperature events (heat waves) will alter the ecological outcomes. The parasitoid wasp Cotesia congregata suffers high mortality when reared throughout development at temperatures that are nonstressful for its host, Manduca sexta. However, the effects of short-term heat stress during parasitoid development are unknown in this host-parasitoid system.Here, we investigate how duration of exposure, daily maximum temperature, and the developmental timing of heat waves impact the performance of C. congregata and its host¸ M. sexta. We find that the developmental timing of short-term heat waves strongly determines parasitoid and host outcomes.Heat waves during parasitoid embryonic develo

SUBMITTER: Moore ME 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8932226 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature