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<p>Climate change is expected to intensify thermal stress in coastal ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. In this study, we investigate species-specific and colony-level variation in thermal tolerance among three psammophilous ant species (<i>Mycetophylax</i> spp.) inhabiting Brazilian coastal dunes. Using critical thermal limits (CTmin and CTmax), linear mixed-effects models, and heritability estimates, we assessed the role of diel activity rhythms and genetic structure in shaping thermal performance. Results revealed that <i>M. simplex</i>, a nocturnal and substrate-specialized species, exhibited significantly lower CTmin and CTmax values compared to diurnal congeners, and that colony identity explained a substantial portion of variance (H² = 0.53 for CTmin, H² = 0.39 for CTmax). These findings suggest limited thermal resilience and evolutionary constraints in <i>M. simplex</i>, reinforcing its potential as a bioindicator of thermal vulnerability. Given projected warming and habitat disturbance in southeastern Brazil, we highlight the importance of integrating functional traits and genetic metrics into environmental monitoring and conservation planning.</p>

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Thermal tolerance and heritability in dune-dwelling ants reveal bioindicator potential for climate vulnerability in coastal ecosystems

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月6日

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  • Karollina Vieira da Conceição,
  • Maykon Passos Cristiano,
  • Danon Clemes Cardoso

摘要

Climate change is expected to intensify thermal stress in coastal ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. In this study, we investigate species-specific and colony-level variation in thermal tolerance among three psammophilous ant species (Mycetophylax spp.) inhabiting Brazilian coastal dunes. Using critical thermal limits (CTmin and CTmax), linear mixed-effects models, and heritability estimates, we assessed the role of diel activity rhythms and genetic structure in shaping thermal performance. Results revealed that M. simplex, a nocturnal and substrate-specialized species, exhibited significantly lower CTmin and CTmax values compared to diurnal congeners, and that colony identity explained a substantial portion of variance (H² = 0.53 for CTmin, H² = 0.39 for CTmax). These findings suggest limited thermal resilience and evolutionary constraints in M. simplex, reinforcing its potential as a bioindicator of thermal vulnerability. Given projected warming and habitat disturbance in southeastern Brazil, we highlight the importance of integrating functional traits and genetic metrics into environmental monitoring and conservation planning.