One of the central challenges in thermal biology is understanding at a physiological level the mechanisms that underlay thermal performance curves. One hypothesis is that limitations in aerobic respiration are a key determinant of thermal performance. Here we test how reduction of energy flux through a metabolic pathway imposes a limitation on aerobic respiration and induces thermal plasticity in the flight musculature of the twelve-spotted skimmer, Libellula pulchella . L. pulchella often harbor a gut parasite that induces a metabolic syndrome phenotype, with the consequence of an impaired ability to metabolize fatty acids. We demonstrate that in an in situ maximally stimulated condition, the flight thoracic muscles of infected individuals are able to consume less oxygen than their healthy counter parts. We then demonstrate that this combustion impaired phenotype displays changes in thermal performance curves of mechanical lift production of wing-strokes in a tethered scenario. Finally, we show there are no salient features of differences in mitochondrial biogenesis or mitochondrial respiration between healthy and infected individuals under substrate saturated conditions that can explain a reduced capacity to consume oxygen.