A cross‐seasonal perspective on local adaptation: metabolic plasticity mediates responses to winter in a thermal‐generalist moth

摘要: Summary The physiological and ecological impact of the thermal environment across life stages can result in trade-offs that determine fitness population dynamics. Understanding mechanisms consequences local adaptation for any organism overwinters requires taking a cross-seasonal perspective. We used trait-based approach to distinguish variation among ecotypes responses overwintering conditions. We fall webworms (Hyphantria cunea; Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) from Ottawa, Ontario Columbus Ohio, representing centre periphery native range. We hypothesized populations would be locally adapted their environments, with maximized under natal predicted this modulation rates energy use, growth development. Each ecotype had higher overwinter survival compared non-natal winter environment, was associated larger pupal mass, size carbohydrate reserves at end winter. This suggests are Larger adults laid more eggs, but there no effect or on fecundity. Pupae warm, energetically demanding, southern temperatures suppressed metabolic autumn, developed quickly spring, compensating energetic demands warmer winters. Northern lower sensitivity metabolism, leading cool correlated faster post-winter development. Local conditions performance peripheral may not enhanced by warming Decoupling growing season negatively ectotherms.