Adult diapause in the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata: effects of external factors on maintenance, termination and post-diapause development

ABSTRACT. This study tests the effects of temperature, water, food and photoperiod on breaking diapause and resumption of activity (emergence from the soil) in Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) diapausing under natural winter conditions or at constant temperatures in the laboratory. Behavioural and physiological criteria were used to characterize the various phases of diapause. Three successive phases are distinguished during hibernation: 'diapause development' or true diapause, a facultative 'post-diapause quiescence' and, finally, a transient phase of post-diapause development leading to emergence from the soil. Diapause development is completed within 3 months in the field and its duration depends on temperature. Although they are buried in the soil during this phase, beetles remain sensitive to photoperiod when artificially exposed to it. They do not emerge from the soil when exposed to higher temperatures. Thereafter, they stay in a quiescent state maintained by low temperature, low humidity or lack of food. The response to temperature changes during hibernation. In the soil, activity begins when soil temperature reaches 4–5C, but this temperature is too low to permit postdiapause development. The transient phase has a temperature threshold between 8 and 10C, whereas emergence from the soil occurs only when the temperature exceeds 11C. Post-diapause development is influenced strongly by temperature and humidity. After emergence, post-diapause development leads eventually to reproduction. Food is essential for reproduction after diapause whereas photoperiod plays no further role.