Volcanic ash decreases dehydration tolerance in the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)

Abstract

Volcanic eruptions have catastrophic impacts on ecosystems, ranging in scale from effects on individual behavior to changes in community structure. Volcanic ash has an especially widespread effect, as it can be dispersed over a greater distance than other volcanic products. In this study, we examined the effect of volcanic ash on the survival and dehydration tolerance of the field cricket Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer (Orthoptera: Gryllidae). Although nymphal mortality, developmental period, and adult body size were not affected by volcanic ash, the dehydration tolerance (lifespan without water) of adults reared on a substrate of volcanic ash was lower than that of adults reared on vermiculite. This suggests that volcanic ash may decrease the fitness of field crickets, depending on the availability of water.