Kerr, Jeremy T;
Gordon, Susan CC;
Chen, I-Ching;
Ednie, Gabrielle;
Foden, Wendy;
Newbold, Tim;
Reynolds, Ashley R;
... Watson, Matthew J; + view all
(2025)
Effects of microclimate variation on insect persistence under global change.
Nature Reviews Biodiversity
10.1038/s44358-025-00067-4.
(In press).
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Abstract
The direct and indirect effects of climate change expose insect populations to environmental conditions that can approach or exceed their physiological limits. The complex life cycles of many insect species, with their elaborate networks of biotic interactions, can add to their vulnerability. In this Perspective, we argue that the negative effects of extreme weather can be offset if insects are able to use favourable microclimates. Microclimatic diversity can be modelled, measured remotely or measured within habitats at scales relevant to insect life cycles. Microclimatic availability within habitats can improve opportunities for adaptive or plastic responses to extremes, potentially moving insect populations towards a more favourable balance between extinction and colonization that can allow species to maintain or shift their geographical ranges over time. Management plans for insects should promote microclimate heterogeneity, as well as the maintenance or creation of microclimates relevant to target species, such as shaded areas and variable topography that reduce temperature and increase moisture availability. Consideration of microclimates is a potentially useful way to advance insect conservation in this period of rapid climate change.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Effects of microclimate variation on insect persistence under global change |
| DOI: | 10.1038/s44358-025-00067-4 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s44358-025-00067-4 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Biodiversity, Biogeography, Conservation biology, Entomology |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > Div of Biosciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > Div of Biosciences > Genetics, Evolution and Environment |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10211594 |
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