Cryobiology of the freeze-tolerant gall fly Eurosta solidaginis: overwintering energetics and heat shock proteins

Abstract

The goldenrod gall fly Eurosta sohdaglnis (Diptera: Tephntidae) ranges from the southern U.S. northward into Canada. The larva overwinters within a ball gall on the stem of goldenrod Sohdago spp The galls often extend above the sno\vpack, exposing the larva to a w ~ d e range of environmental extremes In lv~nter This species has received extensive attention as a freeze-tolerant ~ n s e c t model. A seasonal study of the overwintenng bioenergetics of an Ohio. USA, population revealed marked de-creases In body weight, lipid and total caloric content in October and November when environmental temperatures were the highest. Overwintenng larvae produce heat shock proteins in response to high-temperature exposure. However, unlike other insects E. solidag~nis does not appear to synthesize heat shock proteins In response to low-temperature exposure.