Scientists are now looking at a tiny, thorny insect to understand how survival rates might shift as global temperatures rise. Researchers from St. Louis University’s Fowler-Finn lab studied the effects of heat on Missouri treehoppers, a small insect known for its resilience.
Kasey Fowler-Finn, a biology professor and co-author of the study, emphasizes that this research changes the conversation. It’s not just about survival—it’s about whether these insects can actually thrive and reproduce under rising temperatures.
The researchers took juvenile Enchenopa binotata treehoppers and placed them in two different temperature settings. As temperatures climbed, many younger insects didn’t survive, but surprisingly, the heat boosted fertility in adults. “We found that while warmer temperatures reduced survival, they increased egg production,” Fowler-Finn noted.
Interestingly, heat also affects how treehoppers communicate. Their particular sounds, which resemble whale calls, can only be detected with specific equipment. When it’s hot, treehoppers maneuver through their environment more strategically, hopping off branches to find cooler spots. According to Fowler-Finn, anything above about 36 degrees Celsius is stressful for them. “They jump off their branch hoping to find a cooler one,” he explained.
Insects like treehoppers are essential to our ecosystems. They represent over 70% of animal species on Earth. Their decline could lead to serious consequences, including the loss of bird populations. Fowler-Finn highlights the importance of insects: “They help decompose materials, pollinate, and manage their natural ecosystems. Removing them is like a game of Jenga; once you start removing pieces, the whole thing can collapse.”
Treehoppers are tiny—about half a centimeter long, resembling a small pea. They are mostly black with two yellow spots on their backs. Their unique shape, with a protruding part that looks like a wizard’s hat, makes them quite distinctive. These insects generally live for about a year on woody shrubs.
As temperatures rise, understanding how insects adapt is crucial. Studies like these can help predict which species may thrive in a changing world. For more insights into insect resilience and adaptation, check out the Fowler Finn Lab.
