Global warming is driving an increase in extreme heat events, exemplified by this year’s European heatwave. These thermal extremes challenge insects, whose body temperatures rise along with their environments. Insects are essential to terrestrial ecosystems, but with alarming population declines, understanding their adaptability to heat stress has become critical. The ERC-funded IGNITE project seeks to answer a pressing question: Can insects survive the intensifying heatwaves? Using advanced 3D thermal imaging, the project will examine how microclimatic variations and behavioural thermoregulation impact insect survival. The team will also create a high-resolution climate model to predict future heatwaves and test ant thermal plasticity, revealing broader implications for ecosystem functions such as seed dispersal and biodiversity.