Abstract
AbstractThe mechanism responsible for initiation of reproductive diapause was explored in a population of the butterfly Hypolimnas bolina from the Australian wet/dry tropics. Diapause occurred independently of temperature, and was initiated in females when larvae were reared under a short day photoperiod only (12 : 12 h). The dormancy status of males was unresolved, with sperm present throughout the year, a strategy that may enable them to take advantage of unpredictable female activity. The diapause response in females was modified by the weight of developing larvae, with pupae below a critical weight threshold (0.72 g) failing to enter diapause as adults, regardless of the photoperiod experienced during development. Even above the weight threshold, 100% diapause did not occur, with a small number of females (18%) developing directly, regardless of weight and photoperiod. This facultative diapause strategy may allow individual females to take advantage of the unpredictable timing of tropical seasons.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.