Pupal Diapause in Battus philenor (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae)

Abstract

Environmental factors involved in the induction, maintenance, and termination of the pupal diapause of Battus philenor (L.) were examined. Induction is strongly temperature dependent. Higher temperatures promoted continuous development, although significant numbers of diapause pupae occurred at all temperatures studied. Photoperiod had little effect on diapause induction, but once in diapause, pupae were responsive to both temperature and photoperiod. Warm temperatures and long photoperiods were most effective in promoting diapause development. Pupae were sensitive to both length and directional change of photoperiod. Age influenced the effect of chilling on diapause pupae. Diapause intensity was relatively weak the first 3 weeks after pupation, peaked in 5- to 7-week-old pupae, and then gradually declined. Under controlled laboratory conditions, males were less likely to enter diapause than females. Male pupae had a less intense diapause than females and emerged sooner under all photoperiods tested.