Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Why did only one genus of insects, Halobates, take to the high seas?

PLoS Biology 2022 16 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 35 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.

Lanna Cheng Himanshu Mishra, Lanna Cheng

Summary

Researchers examined why Halobates, the only insect genus to colonize the open ocean, succeeded where the vast majority of the world's most diverse animal class did not, reviewing the physiological, behavioral, and ecological adaptations of these peppercorn-sized ocean skaters. The study explores how five Halobates species cope with saltwater, wave action, predation, and reproduction at the ocean surface, providing insight into the constraints limiting insect marine colonization.

Study Type Environmental

Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface and house a dizzying array of organisms. Mammals, birds, and all manner of fish can be commonly sighted at sea, but insects, the world's most common animals, seem to be completely absent. Appearances can deceive, however, as 5 species of the ocean skater Halobates live exclusively at the ocean surface. Discovered 200 years ago, these peppercorn-sized insects remain rather mysterious. How do they cope with life at the ocean surface, and why are they the only genus of insects to have taken to the high seas?

Read via DOI Download PDF

Share this paper

Post Share Share Pin Email