Field analyses of insect heat budgets: Reflectance, size and heating rates

Abstract

This paper outlines simple techniques for determining rates of heat gain and loss in relation to the weight and reflectance of insects caught in their natural habitats. In particular the construction of a new ‘reflectometer’ is described. The results thus obtained permit estimates of the relative importance of size and colour in determining rates of heat exchange and temperature excesses, so allowing better predictions of heat budgets for a given species.