The diapause syndrome in the seed-eating caterpillar of Coleophora alticolella

Adult emergence in Coleophora alticolella held at 15 °C was accelerated by exposure to L18:D6 in autumn and midwinter. The effect decreased during winter and exposure of individuals, held at low temperature over winter, to L18:D6 or L6:D18 at 15 °C at the end of March resulted in the same mean emergence date. Long daylength experienced at 5 °C did not promote emergence nor did exposure to low temperature during winter. The number of adults emerging increased with the length of time cultures were held on short day but was always below 50% of the larvae. When larvae were exposed to L18:D6 and L6:D18 at 15 °C at the end of March, on long day 61% adults emerged and 39% remained in diapause, whereas on short day, 25% became adult and 75% remained diapausing larvae. The possibility of cohort splitting, with some individuals undergoing prolonged diapause, is discussed.