Concordia University
Candidat M.Sc.
superviseur(e): Jean-Philippe Lessard
Début: 2024-09-03
Fin: 2026-08-15

Projet

From temperate to tundra: investigating the adaptive morphological limits of insects
Understanding why species’ geographic ranges end where they do is a fundamental question in ecology. Even among closely related species with similar traits, ecological niches, and biogeographic histories, geographic ranges can still widely differ. Species distributions are often constrained by environmental conditions that influence organismal performance, particularly at range limits where selective pressures are strongest. My research investigates how morphological traits of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) vary along a latitudinal temperature gradient in Québec, with the aim of identifying traits that may limit their persistence at the northern range edge. By measuring morphological traits of specimens collected across Québec, I observed that, across 24 odonate species, there was a consistent increase in thorax size in colder climate. To explore the mechanisms underlying this pattern, I am testing hypotheses related to thermoregulation and dispersal capacity. These preliminary findings suggest that morphological variation, particularly in the thorax of odonates, may facilitate persistence at northern range edge by enhancing flight muscle capacity and thermal performance. In the context of rapid climate change, predicting how species distributions will shift has become a central goal in ecology. Yet such predictions remain out of reach without a clear understanding of the factors that are currently constraining species’ ranges. By linking trait variation to environmental gradients, this work contributes to an understanding of species range limits and provides insight into how ectothermic species may respond to ongoing climate change. Overall, the study highlights the importance of integrating morphology and environmental context when predicting species distributions under shifting climatic conditions. One way to approach this question is by studying organisms that respond quickly to environmental changes. That’s where my research comes in. I study dragonflies and damselflies—semi-aquatic insects that are highly sensitive to temperature shifts. Recent research in our lab shows that in colder regions, these insects tend to have larger thoraxes, the part of their body that houses their flight muscles. But why? A larger thorax might help with heat absorption, flight efficiency, or dispersal in cold environments. By investigating this, I aim to understand how species are adapting to temperature extremes—insights that could help us predict future biodiversity patterns in a warming world.