Localization of the photoreceptor for photoperiodism in the stink bug, Plautia crossota stali

The brown-winged green bug Plautia crossota stali Scott (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) shows a long-day photoperiodic response with respect to the control of adult diapause. The location of the photoreceptor for this response was examined by surgical removal of putative photoreceptor organs. Even after both ocelli were removed, the insects responded normally to the photoperiod. After bilateral removal of the compound eyes, the insects developed reproductive organs and the volume of the corpus allatum increased regardless of photoperiod. Therefore, the compound eyes play a major role in the reception of photic information for photoperiodism in P. c. stali. However, because removal of the bilateral compound eyes did not completely prevent the response to photoperiod, photoreceptors other than the compound eyes can also receive photic information for photoperiodism.