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INDUCTION AND TERMINATION OF DIAPAUSE IN WYEOMYIA SMITHII (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE), AND LARVAL SURVIVAL STUDIES AT LOW AND SUBZERO TEMPERATURES1

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

K. W. Evans  and
R. A. Brust
K. W. Evans
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
R. A. Brust
Affiliation:
Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg
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Abstract

Diapause in Wyeomyia smithii (Coquillett) was shown to be a function of photoperiod, and independent of temperature. The critical daylength for a population from Pinawa, Man., was 15 hr light per diem. The photoperiodic cues are monitored by the early instars, with diapause being expressed in the third instar. Development is also limited by temperatures below 15 °C even when the critical daylength is exceeded.

Survival at low and subzero temperatures is aided by the diapause state. However, larvae are unable to withstand extended periods of subzero temperatures, even in the diapause condition. At −5 °C, 60% mortality occurred after 8 weeks under laboratory conditions. In the field, where ground temperatures averaged −3.7 °C during the five coldest months, larval mortality averaged 45% after four winter months.

Once diapause is established, larvae consume very little food. Diapause larvae appear to be as active as non-diapause larvae, and also appear to be feeding constantly. However, the amount of food ingested is negligible compared to non-diapause larvae.

Type
Articles
Information
The Canadian Entomologist , Volume 104 , Issue 12 , December 1972 , pp. 1937 - 1950
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1972

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