Control of diapause induction by a change in photoperiod in Melanoplus sanguinipes

The effect of photoperiod on diapause induction, developmental time and body size was examined in Melanoplus sanguinipes, the lesser migratory grasshopper. Contrary to what is found in most insects, facultative diapause-egg production is found to be controlled by changing rather than constant photoperiods. In addition, developmental time is shown to be faster under short-day photoperiods than long-day photoperiods. And finally, body size is larger under long-day photoperiods and smaller under short-day photoperiods. Implications of these results for the regulation of the seasonal life cycle of M. sanguinipes in the field are discussed.