Metabolic Rate in Dubia Roaches (Blaptica dubia) at Different Temperatures

Abstract

Metabolism is all the chemical reactions that occur inside cells that allow organisms to use energy. (Hoefnagels 2021) Ectotherms cannot regulate their internal temperature, so their metabolic rate is changed based on the temperature of their environment. Other research has explored the relationship between metabolic rate and temperature in Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, but we could not find an experiment that used Dubia Roaches. This is investigation is novel research because we are one of the first to study Dubia Roaches. We measured the Dubia Roaches' carbon dioxide output at various temperatures to measure their metabolic rate. There was no difference in the metabolic rate between room temperature and three degrees Celsius above room temperature, but the Dubia Roaches’ metabolic rate decreased when they were placed in a colder environment. This is important in understanding how an ectotherm's metabolism is impacted by its environment.