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Change in Geomagnetic Field Intensity Alters Migration-Associated Traits in a Migratory Insect

Biology letters · 2020 · Mixed · Low evidence

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MixedLow evidencePaper 1564

Simulated variation in geomagnetic field intensity between two locations along the migration route (approximately 5 µT difference) was associated with changes in wing dimorphism, flight capacity, and positive phototaxis after one generation of exposure. Consi…

Study snapshot

PublicationBiology letters · 2020
Study typeanimal
Reported directionMixed
Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Change in Geomagnetic Field Intensity Alters Migration-Associated Traits in a Migratory Insect Wan G, Liu R, Li C, He J, Pan W, et al. Change in Geomagnetic Field Intensity Alters Migration-Associated Traits in a Migratory Insect. Biol Lett. 2020 Apr;16(4):20190940. 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0940. DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0940. Abstract Geomagnetic field (GMF) intensity can be used by some animals to determine their position during migration. However, its role, if any, in mediating other migration-related phenotypes remains largely unknown. Here, we simulated variation in GMF intensity between two locations along the migration route of a nocturnal insect migrant, the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, that varied by approximately 5 µT in field intensity. After one generation of exposure, we tested for changes in key morphological, behavioural and physiological traits related to migratory performance, including wing dimorphism, flight capacity and positive phototaxis. Our results showed that all three morphological and behavioural phenotypes responded to a small difference in magnetic field intensity. Consistent magnetic responses in the expression of the phototaxis-related Drosophila- like cryptochrome 1 (Cry1) gene and levels of two primary energy substrates used during flight, triglyceride and trehalose, were also found. Our findings indicate changes in GMF intensity can alter the expression of phenotypes critical for insect migration and highlight the unique role of magnetoreception as a trait that may help migratory insects express potentially beneficial phenotypes in geographically variable environments. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeanimal
Effect directionmixed
PopulationBrown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), a nocturnal migratory insect
Sample sizeNot supplied
ExposureELF · one generation of exposure
Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 74% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Simulated variation in geomagnetic field intensity between two locations along the migration route (approximately 5 µT difference) was associated with changes in wing dimorphism, flight capacity, and positive phototaxis after one generation of exposure. Consistent magnetic responses were also reported for Cry1 gene expression and for triglyceride and trehalose levels.

Outcomes measured

  • Wing dimorphism
  • Flight capacity
  • Positive phototaxis
  • Expression of phototaxis-related Drosophila-like cryptochrome 1 (Cry1) gene
  • Levels of flight energy substrates: triglyceride and trehalose

Limitations

  • Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata
  • Details of exposure conditions beyond ~5 µT difference not provided in provided abstract/metadata
  • Direction/magnitude of trait changes not specified in provided abstract/metadata
View raw extracted JSON
{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "ELF",
    "source": "geomagnetic field (GMF) intensity variation (simulated)",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "one generation of exposure"
  },
  "population": "Brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens), a nocturnal migratory insect",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Wing dimorphism",
    "Flight capacity",
    "Positive phototaxis",
    "Expression of phototaxis-related Drosophila-like cryptochrome 1 (Cry1) gene",
    "Levels of flight energy substrates: triglyceride and trehalose"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Simulated variation in geomagnetic field intensity between two locations along the migration route (approximately 5 µT difference) was associated with changes in wing dimorphism, flight capacity, and positive phototaxis after one generation of exposure. Consistent magnetic responses were also reported for Cry1 gene expression and for triglyceride and trehalose levels.",
  "effect_direction": "mixed",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata",
    "Details of exposure conditions beyond ~5 µT difference not provided in provided abstract/metadata",
    "Direction/magnitude of trait changes not specified in provided abstract/metadata"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "geomagnetic field",
    "magnetic field intensity",
    "magnetoreception",
    "migration",
    "insect",
    "Nilaparvata lugens",
    "phototaxis",
    "cryptochrome",
    "Cry1",
    "flight capacity",
    "wing dimorphism",
    "triglyceride",
    "trehalose"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}
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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2019.0940
PubMed: 32343935

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