FACTORS AFFECTING LARVAL DIAPAUSE IN <i>DENDROCTONUS RUFIPENNIS</i> (COLEOPTERA: SCOLYTIDAE)

Abstract

Abstract The effect of daily day-degrees C in relation to brood age was investigated to determine its influence on the induction of larval (prepupal) diapause in Dendroctonus rufipennis (Kirby). Daily day-degrees of less than about 9° above the development threshold (6.1°C) induced diapause in most of the broods while diapause was averted by daily day-degrees C of 10 or more above the threshold. Induction of diapause occurred no later than third larval instar; temperature changes during the fourth instar produced no change in aversion or induction of diapause. Laboratory results reveal that field temperatures during larval development determine whether most beetles have a 1- or 2-year life cycle.