THE WIDER INTEGRATION OF STUDIES ON INSECT COLD-HARDINESS

Further progress in understanding insect cold-hardiness requires a bro ader perspective than hitherto. Such a broader approach is feasible, g iven the range of information now available on cold-hardiness and the variety and quality of equipment to study it. Comprehensive informatio n on individual species is required, using the full range of available techniques, instead of piecemeal investigations. Comparisons of speci es must likewise be based on how their complete cold-hardiness strateg ies are structured, rather than on any particular contrasts between in dividual elements. Most importantly, a well based understanding of col d-hardiness requires wider linkages between cold-hardiness and other s alient aspects of the life cycle, such as seasonal timing and control, water balance, and metabolism and energy budgets. Cold-hardiness is o nly one aspect of the adaptive trade-offs that structure the life cycl e of any given species.