Heatwaves are detrimental to fertility in the viviparous tsetse fly
Heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, pushing animals beyond physiological limits. While most studies focus on survival limits, sublethal effects on fertility tend to occur below lethal thresholds, and consequently can be as important for population viability. Typically, male fertility is more heat-sensitive than female fertility, yet direct comparisons are limited. Over six weeks, heatwaves resulted in equivalent fertility loss in both sexes. Combined with mortality, this lead to a 10% population decline over six weeks compared to the control.
Weaving H, Terblanche JS, English S. Heatwaves are detrimental to fertility in the viviparous tsetse fly. Proc Biol Sci. 2024 Mar 13;291(2018):20232710. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2710. Epub 2024 Mar 13. PMID: 38471560; PMCID: PMC10932722.