Heat dissipation of flying wax moths (Galleria mellonella) measured by means of direct calorimetry

Heat production rates and flight speed of adult wax moths (Galleria mellone lla) were investigated by means of direct calorimetry at T-A=20 and 30 degr ees C. Specific heat production rates were not significantly different betw een males and females at T-A=20 degrees C (p(TH)=747+/-123.7 mW g(-1), n=5 for males and p(TH)=791+169 mW g(-1), n=5 for females) even with females ha ving a higher body mass (M-B=83.8+/-21.6 mg, n=9 for males and M-B=146.4+/- 25.7 mg, n=11 for females) and wing load. In females, heat production rates were dependent on temperature with higher heat production rates at T-A=20 degrees C (p(TH)=791+/-169 mW g(-1), n=5) than at T-A=30 degrees C (p(TH)=4 41+/-74 mW g(-1), n=6). Flight speed was also clearly correlated with T-A. Both males and females flew more slowly at T-A=20 than at 30 degrees C.*