Indicators for Climate Change Impacts - Wetlands in temperate ecoregions, Wetlands
Insect species
| Stressor type | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Responding parameter group | Biological parameters |
| Responding parameter | Insect species |
Response description
Changing climate has direct effects on the distributions of both terrestrial and aquatic insect species. Milder winters and hot summers are important factors in the survival of temperature-sensitive species. This will probably alter the tolerable ranges of some species, including pest species, and may lead to increased invasions into new areas by exotic species.
Secondary effects
Probable increased impacts on agriculture and biodiversity
Specification of relevant ecosystem type
Wetlands and open water
Relevant ecoregion(s) according to Illies
All temperate ecoregions
Suggested indicator
Taxonomic composition and abundance of insect species, especially butterflies and aquatic insects
Justification of indicator
Indicates impacts on habitat integrity.
Reference(s)
Thomas J.A. (2005): Monitoring change in the abundance and distribution of insects using butterflies and other indicator groups. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences 360(1454): 339-357.
