Low atmospheric pressure shortens development and reduces wing loading

Studies show that insects developing under chronic hypoxia exhibit substantial fitness consequences. The decrease in partial pressure at higher altitudes (hypobaria) reduces the metabolic availability of oxygen which may be insufficient for the rapidly changing demand of growing larvae. As more species are seeking thermal refuge at higher elevations, exposure to this altitudinal hypoxia is becoming increasingly prevalent. One potentially severe effect is a reduction in adult size as a direct consequence of expedited development time; however, the proportional morphometric changes are largely undescribed. This study focuses on how a moth’s wing area is affected by simulated altitude in relation to its mass, and the resulting change in wing loading for individuals. Understanding how flying insects will respond morphologically to increased altitude provides insight into the associated fitness consequences which can inform conservation efforts.