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<p>Climate change is associated with an increase in heatwave events, extended periods of unusually high temperatures compared to seasonal or local averages. Marine invertebrates may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of heatwaves, especially in transitional waters that support a complex community of native and non-native animals while exhibiting unique physical–chemical characteristics tied to tidal dynamics. Understanding whether and how heatwaves impact wildlife, particularly non-native species, is thus crucial for predicting and mitigating their combined effects on ecosystems. In this study, we experimentally examined the behavioural responses to heatwaves of two Mediterranean nudibranch species: the native <i>Cratena peregrina</i> (N = 54) and the non-native <i>Godiva quadricolor</i> (N = 76). By applying a within-subject design, we compared the alertness to external stimuli, spatial information gathering, and risk-avoidance behaviour of wild individuals temporarily held in captivity from both species (two populations each) and exposed them to simulated heatwaves (ranging from 18 to 32&#xa0;°C). Both species exhibited reduced risk aversion as temperature increased, while alertness remained stable. Native individuals decreased spatial information gathering at higher temperatures, whereas non-native individuals sustained consistent levels. These different behavioural responses suggest distinct strategies for coping with thermal stress: non-native individuals maintained high levels of spatial information gathering, likely favouring dispersal, while native individuals adopted energy-conserving behaviours. Our results challenge prevailing assumptions about the resilience of invasive species and underscore the necessity to integrate both short-term behavioural and physiological responses into climate change models that assess the impacts of global warming on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.</p>

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Marine heatwaves as selective filters on the behaviour of native and non-native invertebrates

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月22日

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  • Sara Ferretti,
  • Armando Macali,
  • Valeria Mazza,
  • Claudio Carere

摘要

Climate change is associated with an increase in heatwave events, extended periods of unusually high temperatures compared to seasonal or local averages. Marine invertebrates may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of heatwaves, especially in transitional waters that support a complex community of native and non-native animals while exhibiting unique physical–chemical characteristics tied to tidal dynamics. Understanding whether and how heatwaves impact wildlife, particularly non-native species, is thus crucial for predicting and mitigating their combined effects on ecosystems. In this study, we experimentally examined the behavioural responses to heatwaves of two Mediterranean nudibranch species: the native Cratena peregrina (N = 54) and the non-native Godiva quadricolor (N = 76). By applying a within-subject design, we compared the alertness to external stimuli, spatial information gathering, and risk-avoidance behaviour of wild individuals temporarily held in captivity from both species (two populations each) and exposed them to simulated heatwaves (ranging from 18 to 32 °C). Both species exhibited reduced risk aversion as temperature increased, while alertness remained stable. Native individuals decreased spatial information gathering at higher temperatures, whereas non-native individuals sustained consistent levels. These different behavioural responses suggest distinct strategies for coping with thermal stress: non-native individuals maintained high levels of spatial information gathering, likely favouring dispersal, while native individuals adopted energy-conserving behaviours. Our results challenge prevailing assumptions about the resilience of invasive species and underscore the necessity to integrate both short-term behavioural and physiological responses into climate change models that assess the impacts of global warming on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.