Thermoregulation Eriogaster lanestris

a mass of instar larvae.

another advantage provided small eggar’s sociality enhanced ability control temperature of immediate surroundings, or thermoregulate. e. lanestris ectothermic organism, meaning relies on surroundings regulate body temperature. caterpillars must maintain adequate body temperature in order move, metabolize, , develop properly. caterpillars have optimal temperature range of 30-35 °c, , when hatch in spring, ambient temperatures below threshold. small individual caterpillars have low capacity capture , retain heat, when 200 individuals group together, effective mass increases significantly, allowing them collectively retain more heat. layered tent structure functions further insulate caterpillars within inner chambers. on sunny days when air temperatures may lower ideal, caterpillars congregate on outer surfaces of tent in direct sunlight. black, furry bodies act absorb radiation , grouping serves more prevent heat loss. additionally, when caterpillars return tent after feeding, enter resting , digestion phase. metabolisms generate heat energy, can raise internal tent temperature as 3 °c. caterpillars enter later larval stages, seasonal temperatures may high, caterpillars found on shaded side of tent, away direct sun.