Experimental studies on the cold tolerance of Alaskozetes antarcticus

Young, S.R.; Block, William. 1980 Experimental studies on the cold tolerance of Alaskozetes antarcticus. Journal of Insect Physiology, 26 (3). 189-200. 10.1016/0022-1910(80)90080-3

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0022-1910(80)90080-3

Abstract/Summary

The cold tolerance mechanism of the Antarctic terrestrial mite Alaskozetes antarcticus (Michael) was investigated in cultured animals. Freezing is fatal in this species and winter survival occurs by means of supercooling, which is enhanced by the presence of glycerol in the body. There is an inverse, linear relationship between the concentration of glycerol and the supercooling point, which may be as low as −30°C. Feeding detracts from supercooling ability by providing ice nucleators in the gut which initiate freezing at relatively high sub-zero temperatures. Experiments on the effects of various environmental factors showed that low temperature acclimation gave rise to increased glycerol concentrations and suppressed feeding, while desiccation also stimulated glycerol production. Photoperiod had no effect on cold tolerance in this species. The juvenile instars of A. antarcticus were found to possess a greater degree of low temperature tolerance than adults.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1016/0022-1910(80)90080-3
ISSN:	00221910
Additional Keywords:	cold tolerance, Antarctic mite, glycerol, supercooling points, ice nucleators
Date made live:	11 Sep 2019 13:03 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/525071

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1016/0022-1910(80)90080-3

ISSN:

00221910

Additional Keywords:

cold tolerance, Antarctic mite, glycerol, supercooling points, ice nucleators

Date made live:

11 Sep 2019 13:03 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/525071