Temperature-dependent-behavior
Guides
Encarsia citrina
Encarsia citrina is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Aphelinidae that serves as an important biological control agent of armored scale insects. The species attacks multiple scale hosts including euonymus scale (Unaspis euonymi), greedy scale (Hemiberlesia rapax), and Fiorinia externa. Research has demonstrated that pesticide applications can significantly reduce parasitoid populations and disrupt biological control services. The species exhibits temperature-dependent searching efficiency and host age preference in its foraging behavior.
Formica xerophila
Formica xerophila is a species of ant in the family Formicidae, described by Smith in 1939. The species name 'xerophila' (Greek: xeros=dry, philia=loving) indicates adaptation to dry or drought-prone environments. Research has documented notable behavioral characteristics, including temperature-dependent aggression and coordinated group behavior mediated by direct physical contact between nestmates.
Gryllus pennsylvanicus
Fall Field Cricket
Gryllus pennsylvanicus, commonly known as the fall field cricket, is a widespread North American cricket species distinguished by its autumn breeding season and distinctive chirping. Adults are medium-sized crickets, 15–25 mm in length, with dark black to dark brown coloration and occasionally a slight reddish tint. The species is notable for its temperature-dependent chirping rate, which has been used as a biological thermometer. Males produce calling songs from burrow entrances to attract females, with older males typically preferred by females. The species has an annual life cycle with one generation per year, overwintering as eggs in soil.
Oecanthus fultoni
snowy tree cricket, thermometer cricket
A North American tree cricket known for its distinctive chirping used in film soundtracks. The species exhibits a temperature-dependent chirp rate that allows temperature estimation. Adults are active from mid-July to mid-November. The species was formally described in 1962 after being confused with O. niveus for nearly two centuries.