Warmer Temperatures Reduce Fitness of Burying Beetle Nicrophorus orbicollis, an Important Scavenger in Temperate Forest Ecosystems
Advisor Information
Claudia Rauter
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
End Date
26-3-2021 12:00 AM
Abstract
Ectotherms struggle to maintain energy balance at warmer temperatures, especially burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.) competing with microbes over carrion. As a form of social immunity, burying beetles secrete antimicrobial peptides to control microbial growth thus preserving carrion and enhancing growth of their larvae. The goal of this project is to explore how increased temperatures affect social immunity and the energy balance of burying beetles. I will expose breeding females to one of four different temperatures (20°C, 22°C, 24°C, 26°C) and determine energy intake, energy storage, potency of antimicrobial secretions, and the outcome of the competition between beetles and microbes.
Warmer Temperatures Reduce Fitness of Burying Beetle Nicrophorus orbicollis, an Important Scavenger in Temperate Forest Ecosystems
Ectotherms struggle to maintain energy balance at warmer temperatures, especially burying beetles (Nicrophorus spp.) competing with microbes over carrion. As a form of social immunity, burying beetles secrete antimicrobial peptides to control microbial growth thus preserving carrion and enhancing growth of their larvae. The goal of this project is to explore how increased temperatures affect social immunity and the energy balance of burying beetles. I will expose breeding females to one of four different temperatures (20°C, 22°C, 24°C, 26°C) and determine energy intake, energy storage, potency of antimicrobial secretions, and the outcome of the competition between beetles and microbes.
Additional Information (Optional)
Mondays: No good times
Tuesday: No good times
Wednesday: Busy noon-1 and 4-6
Thursday: Free
Friday: Free