SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN DIAPAUSE LARVAE OF ASIAN CORN BORER, OSTRINIA FURNACALIS (LEPIDOPTERA:PYRALIDAE)

Abstract  The physiological and biochemical characteristics of the diapause larvae of Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis , were investigated. The molecular weight of diapause associated protein in hemolymph was determined. The development of male reproductive system, the body water content, the tolerance to suffocation and the rates of respiration of the diapause and non-diapause larvae were compared. The results revealed that the diapause larvae have the following characteristics: 1. There is a diapause associated protein in heamolymoph; its molecular weights of two polypeptide chains are 72,000 and 84,000 Dal. respectively. 2. The male reproductive organ is underdeveloped. 3. The body water content is lowered. 4. A much higher tolerance to suffocation is exhibited after submergence under water at room temperature. 5. A low rate of respiration prevailed.