The Frit Fly, Oscinella frit (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera, Chloropidae) at the Northern Boundary of Its Distribution Range: Reaction to Climate Change

Abstract

The study addresses changes in the abundance of the frit fly Oscinella frit and its distribution across vegetation layers and biotopes on Wrangel Island. Samples were taken in the same areas in 2006 and 2015, during the period of pronounced climate warming at the beginning of the century. In 2015, O. frit substantially increased in numbers and widened the range of occupied habitats in the landscapes of the warmest, central part of the island, whereas no increase in its activity could be observed in the cooler coastal part. Possible causes of the observed phenomena are discussed.