Temperature-dependent variation in flight muscle morphology revealed by micro-CT imaging

Bees are among the most diverse and ecologically important pollinators, but climate change is increasing temperature variability that may affect their physiology and performance. One structure likely sensitive to these changes is the flight muscle, which powers flight and supports foraging and pollination. However, the effects of developmental temperature on flight muscle morphology remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate how temperature influences flight muscle development in Bombus impatiens. Individuals were reared under three heat treatments simulating environmental temperature variation. High-resolution micro-CT imaging was used to visualize internal anatomy and quantify variation in flight muscle structure. Understanding how temperature affects flight muscle morphology provides insight into how climate change may influence bee physiology and pollination, and may inform future studies on pollinator resilience and adaptation.