Can Insects Be Impacted By Climate Change?

This review advocates for a comprehensive and adaptive approach to reduce the impact of extreme climate changes on insect populations, ensuring long-term ecological balance. A recent study published in Nature Climate Change found that 65 of the insect populations examined could go extinct over the next century. Insects play a crucial role in Earth’s ecosystems and have diversified through more than 450 million years of Earth’s changeable climate. Climate extremes can directly and indirectly impact insect species, with their effects being large but our understanding remains limited.

Climate change can shape the physiology and behavior of insects, with concomitant effects on life-cycles, life-history traits, reproduction, and population persistence. Tropical regions are at the greatest risk for insect declines due to a combination of deforestation, agriculture, and climate change. Mitigating climate change will likely benefit insect biodiversity by preserving natural habitat within landscapes and reducing the intensity of climate change.

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth and are ubiquitous in terrestrial food webs. However, there is little information about their fate in a changing climate, and data are scant for insects compared to other groups. Tropical insect species are at a greater risk than those in temperate areas, who are more adapted to a greater range in temperature.

Temperature fluctuations are an important factor in insect extinction risk, and climate change may make some insects more pervasive, detrimenting human health and agriculture. Global warming is forcing insect populations to move and adapt, with some aggressive species thriving.

What Insects Are Affected By Climate Change?

Moth populations have experienced a significant decline of 33% since 1968, while the western population of migratory monarch butterflies has dropped by 90% over the last 50 years. Research in Germany has recorded a 76% reduction in flying insect biomass, and studies in East Asia indicate a 20% decrease in summertime predator insects. Insects are highly vulnerable to climate change owing to their sensitivity to temperature changes, which directly affect their reproduction, development, survival, and dispersal.

If global temperatures rise by 3. 2 degrees Celsius, nearly 50% of all insect species could face extinction. Insects have survived through 450 million years of climate change, yet the current rapid variations in temperature and precipitation present unprecedented challenges alongside ongoing human impacts.

A comprehensive review, involving 70 scientists from 19 countries, highlights the urgent need to protect insects from climate change effects to ensure sustainable ecosystems. It reveals that around 40% of insect species are declining, with one-third classified as endangered, primarily due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. The vulnerabilities of cold-blooded insects are particularly critical, lacking bodily regulation mechanisms. Climate change is poised to increase agricultural pests and further disrupt insect habitats.

The review emphasizes that butterflies and moths, as sensitive groups, struggle to adapt to extreme temperatures, leading to their potential range contraction by over 50% in warmer conditions. The loss of insects, such as dung beetles, may intensify climate extremes, underscoring the need for immediate conservation efforts to mitigate these impacts on vital ecosystems.

What Species Will Be Affected By Climate Change?

Global biodiversity is under severe threat, with climate change affecting at least 10, 967 species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, increasing their risk of extinction. By 2100, it is estimated that up to 50% of the world's species could face extinction due to rising temperatures, sea levels, and altered weather patterns causing drought and reduced rainfall. Notably, mammals and birds are disproportionately represented on the IUCN list.

The consequences of climate change are critical, as historical geological evidence indicates that significant biodiversity loss is imminent, driven by human activity leading to one million species at risk. Species such as the Bramble Cay melomys, polar bear, snow leopard, giant panda, tiger, monarch butterfly, and green sea turtle are among those heavily impacted. Coral ecosystems are also suffering, along with diverse species from penguins in Antarctica to butterflies in Spain.

The ongoing threat posed by climate change is amplifying existing challenges faced by various species, from marine life to terrestrial plants and animals. Examples of those affected include the Hawksbill turtle, Atlantic salmon, bee, and puffin. Addressing the climate crisis is vital to preserving the planet's wildlife, as every species, including humans, ultimately shares the fate tied to climate action. Effective responses are crucial for reversing the alarming trends in species decline.

Are Insects Affected By Temperature?

Insects, unlike mammals, are ectothermic (cold-blooded), meaning their body temperature matches their environment. This dependence makes their oxygen consumption, caloric needs, and metabolic rates directly influenced by ambient temperatures. Typically, insects cannot develop or function below 50°F and generally only freeze at temperatures below -4°F. Their reliance on external temperatures makes them vulnerable to extreme and fluctuating weather conditions, such as harsh winters and erratic temperature regimes driven by climate change.

A study of 38 insect species found that 25 could face increased extinction risks within the next century due to significant and unpredictable temperature swings in their habitats. This underscores the urgent need for more comprehensive data on how varying temperatures affect insect fitness, especially for species above 50°N latitude. Climate change is also associated with a rise in extreme weather events like heatwaves, storms, and wildfires, which directly threaten insect populations.

Research indicates that bees have a higher tolerance for elevated temperatures compared to flies, with their critical thermal maximum (CTMax) being on average 2. 3°C higher. As ectotherms, insects depend on external temperatures to regulate their body heat, making them highly sensitive to climate variability. Temperature fluctuations can disrupt their routine activities and movements, impacting survival, development, reproduction, and ecological interactions.

Higher temperatures increase insects' metabolic rates, leading to greater food requirements, while lower temperatures reduce their activity and metabolic processes. As climate change causes more extreme and unpredictable temperatures, insects face threats that may result in short-term declines and long-term population consequences. Understanding these effects is crucial for predicting how insect biodiversity and ecosystem functions will respond to ongoing climate changes. Additionally, temperate species may experience much higher temperatures than expected during active seasons, further challenging their adaptability and survival.

Overall, the ectothermic nature of insects makes them particularly vulnerable to climate-induced temperature fluctuations, highlighting the need for extensive research to mitigate extinction risks and preserve ecological balance.

What Happens If Insects Go Extinct?

A world devoid of insects would drastically alter human existence, leading to a significant reduction in food sources, various products, and a decline in scientific and medical advancements. Historically, humans and vertebrates would have faced extinction long ago if insects had vanished. Insects possess superior tolerances, reproductive capabilities, and evolutionary rates compared to most vertebrates. Their extinction would disrupt food chains and trigger substantial food shortages for humans.

Moreover, plant pollination would be heavily compromised, resulting in catastrophic ecological repercussions. Recent studies have indicated an alarming decline in insect populations, leading scientists to warn of a potential "bugpocalypse." The absence of insects could result in the collapse of civilization and ecosystems worldwide since they are vital for roles such as nutrient recycling and the breakdown of plant matter. Without insects, many bird and amphibian populations would face extinction within months.

It takes approximately 200, 000 insects to raise a single swallow chick, emphasizing their critical role in the food web. Even the loss of a few key invertebrate species could initiate a biosphere crisis with severe consequences. As insect populations continue to diminish, humanity will face the gradual collapse of food chains, revealing our deep reliance on these creatures for survival and the overall functionality of the planet. Insects are responsible for up to 75% of crop pollination, highlighting their essential role beyond bees.

What Environmental Factors Affect Insects?

Numerous studies indicate that abiotic factors, particularly temperature and relative humidity, are crucial in determining insect diversity, species distribution, and community composition. Both abiotic stresses (like temperature, humidity, and light) and biotic stresses (including host availability, biodiversity, crowding, and diet) impact insect population dynamics significantly. Climate change has prompted the expansion of various insect species into higher latitude regions, leading to the establishment of new populations in the northern hemisphere.

Environmental factors, such as drought, also affect agricultural protection measures, increasing vulnerability to herbivorous pests. It has been observed that temperature, humidity, rainfall, light, and other edaphic factors critically influence insect growth and metabolism. The interplay between abiotic factors and microbial symbiosis further complicates community dynamics. Notably, temperature and humidity are key constraints on insect abundance and distribution, with documented impacts on their survival and growth.

As poikilothermic organisms, insects’ responses to fluctuating abiotic conditions—such as temperature variations, precipitation changes, and extreme weather—are pronounced. Human activities and global climatic changes continue to disrupt insect ecosystems, leading to habitat erosion and alterations in community structure. Elevational gradients also significantly impact insect species composition and diversity. Factors such as temperature influence insect behavior, with warmer conditions correlating to increased activity. Overall, the interactions between various abiotic and biotic factors shape the dynamics of insect populations across different environments.

Does Global Warming Increase Pests?

Increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are altering conditions that affect insect populations, pathogens, and the distribution of pests, weeds, and diseases. A review of climate warming impacts on 31 significant phytophagous insect pests reveals discernible trends in their responses. The assessment focuses on four categories: range expansion, life history, population dynamics, and trophic interactions.

Optimal temperature increases may heighten pest infestations as global warming progresses, leading to substantial yield reductions in crucial crops like rice, maize, and wheat, which are often overlooked in agricultural impact models. Climate change is set to augment outbreak risks by influencing pathogen evolution and host–pathogen dynamics, facilitating new pathogenic strains.

The implications of climate change on pest pressure and pollinator effectiveness in agricultural systems are profound. Elevated temperatures are projected to elevate pest-related yield losses for wheat, rice, and maize significantly. As such, the complexity of climate change effects necessitates further examination of the key climatic parameters influencing pests. Observations suggest that every degree rise in global temperature can escalate crop losses due to insects by 10 to 25%.

While some research posits potential negative impacts of warming on specific pests, climate change remains a key driver behind pest and disease proliferation, alongside global trade. This report concludes that climate change is likely to exacerbate issues with plant pests and pathogens, underscoring the importance of monitoring and adaptation strategies in agriculture.

What Pest Insect Has Increased Its Range Due To Climate Change?

Rising temperatures are significantly affecting the ecological consequences of annual crop pests, such as the southern green stink bug and the spotted stem borer, which are replacing native species as their ranges expand. This review examines how climate change influences insect pest biology and ecology and considers modern pest monitoring technologies to develop effective management strategies aimed at enhancing crop production and food security.

Currently, pests, including insects, fungi, and bacteria contribute to the loss of 10-16% of global crop production. Notably, pests like the desert locust threaten various crops and can devastate fields. Climate change poses a growing threat to insect biodiversity, impacting their distribution and abundance. Analysis of 31 widely distributed pest species reveals varied responses to climate warming, and many pests, traditionally found in tropical regions, are expanding poleward due to altered climates.

This chapter highlights evidence of climate-induced insect pest issues, such as changes in distribution and increased outbreak frequency, alongside expected alterations in pest pressure and pollinator effectiveness across agricultural systems globally. Insects are likely to experience shorter generation times and improved survival rates, leading to increased ranges. Historical climate change has been directly linked to heightened pest abundance and crop disease pandemics. Notably, an increase in the populations of prominent pests like the corn earworm and brown marmorated stink bug is anticipated, alongside raises in various insects within domestic environments. Overall, climate change presents unprecedented challenges to agriculture, amplifying pest threats and altering ecosystems.

Why Is Climate Change Bad For Insects?

Most insects are ectothermic, which limits their ability to regulate body heat, making them susceptible to temperature fluctuations and moisture changes. When temperatures rise, they can experience injuries that lead to developmental issues and adverse impacts on lifespan, dispersal, and reproduction. Tropical regions face the highest risk of insect declines due to a combination of climate change, deforestation, and agricultural practices. Insects like Stomoxys calcitrans, a biting fly, are particularly threatened by the projected temperature variability.

While insects have adapted to Earth's changing climate over 450 million years, current rapid shifts in temperature and precipitation present unprecedented challenges. Climate change negatively affects insects and disrupts biological processes at all ecological levels. Habitat loss and pesticide use exacerbate these issues. For instance, human-altered ecosystems are more vulnerable to climate impacts. Additionally, the interplay between global warming and extreme weather is threatening various insect species with extinction.

While some species may seem to benefit, many insect taxa are declining, and urgent action is needed to reverse this trend. Climate warming also influences habitat selection and geographical distribution of insects. Events like the severe locust plague in East Africa highlight the challenges posed by climate change, which can increase crop damage and yield losses, thereby affecting agricultural practices and costs. It is essential to deepen understanding of how insects and ecosystems react to climate change to mitigate these threats and safeguard essential ecological functions.

What Temperature Kills Bugs?

Temperatures between 120°F and 140°F result in insect death within minutes. Effective heat treatment for insect control in facilities requires expertise to ensure hot air reaches the insects before they can escape. Bed bugs are particularly sensitive to temperature; adults die at 113°F after 90 minutes of continuous exposure, while at 118°F, they perish in 20 minutes. Their eggs need 118°F for 90 minutes for a 100% kill rate and don't succumb until 125°F.

Notably, freezing temperatures can effectively kill bed bugs, but specific conditions must be satisfied. Research indicates that bed bugs cannot tolerate extreme cold and can die at -16°C after 80 hours, regardless of their life stage. While 119°F kills adult bed bugs, their resilient eggs need at least 125°F to perish. Some infested items can be baked in an oven at high temperatures (160°F+) for 3 to 5 hours to eliminate bed bugs. Steam treatments also effectively kill bed bugs and their eggs, as the optimal temperatures for extermination range from 118°F to 122°F over at least 90 minutes.

Additionally, temperatures that drop to 37°F are sufficient to kill mature fleas and their life stages, but only with sustained exposure. Stored grain insects cease feeding below 60°F, yet do not die unless exposed to lower temperatures. In summary, while bed bugs are vulnerable to both heat and cold extremes, precise control measures are essential for effective extermination.

What Animals Have Gone Extinct Due To Global Warming?

Numerous animal species have gone extinct or are at increased risk due to climate change. Notable examples include the Golden Toad (Bufo periglenes), Polar Bear, Adelie Penguin, North Atlantic Cod, and Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis). The Emperor Penguin, iconic from the film "March of the Penguins," is also affected. A pivotal study published in the journal Nature in 2004 estimated that by 2050, between 15 and 37 of 1, 103 endemic species could face extinction if their habitats become unsustainable.

Human activities have drastically reduced wildlife populations, with over two-thirds lost in the last 50 years according to the World Wildlife Fund. Habitat loss threatens many species, including the Giant Panda and Asian Elephant, with climate change exacerbating their risk. Specific groups facing significant threats include Australia's yellow-footed rock-wallaby and golden-shouldered parrot. The first mammal recorded to be driven to extinction due to climate change is the Bramble Cay melomys (Melomys rubicola).

A recent study from the University of Oxford utilized fossil records to identify factors that heighten vulnerability to extinction. Current estimates indicate that about one-third of corals, one-fourth of mammals, and one-fifth of reptiles are at risk. Despite the challenges in assessing extinction rates, climate change increasingly affects at least 10, 967 species on the IUCN Red List.