We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to understand how heat waves affect ladybirds. We tested 3 species: Ceratomegilla undecimnotata, Harmonia axyridis (both healthy and fungus-infected individuals), and Propylea quatuordecimpunctata. These ladybirds were exposed to three different heat regimes: control conditions (average summer temperatures), realistic heat waves (based on actual meteorological data) and extreme heat waves, with prolonged durations and higher temperatures than the current heat waves. We found that? Heat significantly impacted survival, but some species showed more resilience, while others struggled under heat stress. Reproductive success decreased, with some ladybirds unable to reproduce effectively in extreme conditions. This research provides valuable insights into how climate change could affect ladybirds’ species, which play an essential role in pest control and biodiversity.
