TEMPERATURE ACCLIMATION OF RESPIRATION IN CULEX PIPIENS PIPIENS (DIPTERA - CULICIDAE) AND INFLUENCE OF SEASONAL SELECTION

1. 1. Larvae of Culex pipiens pipiens are capable of adaptive acclimation to temperature. The pattern of acclimation changes with age. Few other insects are known to have this ability, even though it is common in other poikilotherms. 2. 2. Temperature compensation (metabolic rate independence from temperature change) occurs outside the acclimation range. Its interaction with acclimation permits homeostasis over a wider range of temperatures than either process alone. Temperature compensation also changes with age. 3. 3. The data indicate that seasonal selection is responsible for a changing response to temperature. The continual interaction of changing environment and responses to selective forces results in a population whose members cannot adaptively respond physiologically to a wide range of conditions. Nevertheless, the response of the population itself shifts adaptively. © 1969.