Australia is facing an extreme heatwave, and it's not just humans who are feeling the burn. Even insects, known for their resilience, are struggling to cope with the scorching temperatures.
Heatwaves pose a deadly threat to humans, especially the elderly and those with lower incomes. But the impact on animals is often overlooked. While many animals have evolved behavioral responses to extreme heat, such as dogs panting and koalas hugging cool trees, prolonged heatwaves can be devastating. Tens of thousands of bats and birds have perished during these events, unable to withstand the prolonged heat.
You might assume that cold-blooded insects would thrive in the extreme heat, but that's not always the case. Thankfully, insects like ants, bees, and beetles have some fascinating strategies to keep themselves cool. By understanding these methods, we can help them beat the heat too.
Ants on the Move
Ants are often associated with summer, and their increased activity can be a nuisance for those trying to keep them out of their homes. However, when the heat becomes extreme and prolonged, ants adapt their behavior. They forage less, seeking shade or retreating to their cooler nests. This can lead to an influx of ants into our homes, as they seek the cooler, shadier environment inside.
Bearding Bees
The Western honeybee, an introduced species, is better suited to cooler climates. Yet, they've developed interesting behaviors to cope with hot weather. When temperatures rise, honeybees engage in 'bearding,' where workers gather in large numbers outside the hive to increase airflow. They also 'fan' the hive, flapping their wings to create a cooling effect and bring water inside to further regulate the temperature.
Native Australian stingless bees can survive temperatures up to 40°C, but prolonged heat takes a toll. To protect these bees in artificial hives, cooling methods like wet towels or temporarily moving the colonies indoors are essential.
Beetles' Heat Strategies
Summer is a great time to spot beetles in Australia, especially the festive Christmas beetles. While a hot day or two triggers their emergence from underground, heatwaves can reduce their activity. Beetles seek shade, and the dry weather can limit their food sources. However, Christmas beetles have unique ways to prevent overheating. Their sparkling, hardened wings (elytra) can reflect heat, and depending on their color, they can trap heat and flap their wings to cool down.
Caring for Insects During Heatwaves
Heatwaves pose a danger to our wildlife, including insects. But there are ways we can help. Adding rocks to bird baths provides a landing and drinking spot for flying insects, offering a simple way to help them beat the heat. Regularly cleaning bird baths prevents mosquito breeding. A garden with canopy cover provides shade for insects, and it's worth considering whether one-off insect visitors to your home are seeking the same respite as you. Waiting until dusk or night to observe insects can also provide a safer environment for them.
Hotter temperatures offer opportunities to observe insects, but consider the time of day. Turning on your porch light on a hot summer's night will reveal a variety of insects, including the beloved Christmas beetles. You can even contribute to citizen science by reporting your sightings to ongoing projects, helping to understand the impact of heatwaves on these creatures.
So, while heatwaves can be challenging for our wildlife, including insects, we have the power to make a positive impact. By implementing these simple strategies, we can ensure our insect friends don't swelter during these extreme weather events.
