Metabolic acclimatization to seasonal changes in temperature in the sycamore aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoides (Schr.), and lime aphid, Eucallipterus tiliae L.

Both sycamore and lime aphids live on the leaves of their respective host trees. The sycamore aphid unlike the lime aphid has the ability to adapt metabolically to changes in temperature. The difference in ability of these two tree-dwelling aphids to adapt metabolically to changes in temperature can be related to their mode of life. The sycamore aphid lives on sycamore which is native to the mountainous areas of southern and central Europe where conditions are cool. Sycamore also has a longer growth period than lime as its buds burst earlier and it sheds its leaves later. Sycamore aphids are therefore naturally exposed to a wider range of temperatures than lime aphids.