Application of infrared thermography to the study of behavioural fever in the desert locust

摘要: Abstract Infrared (IR) thermography is used increasingly to estimate body temperature in small ectotherms such as insects. We the thermal behaviour of an agricultural pest, desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, a case study demonstrate application this method biology. During microbial infection, locust uses environmentally derived heat elevate its temperature. This ‘behavioural fever’ delays onset disease caused by fungal biopesticide. Understanding biology S. gregaria therefore prerequisite for development more effective mycoinsecticide. To accurately use IR measurement, data must first be calibrated with Here, we identify two major factors which affect output and hence need incorporated into camera calibration: (1) emissivity, predominantly determined colour, (2) internal camera. limitations thermocouple-based methods measurement comparison thermography. The detail provided large sets revealed time early fever during infection Metarhizium acridum viz. 20–25 h post-inoculation 48 h demonstrated previously.