Studies of Caste differentiation in Myrmica rubra L. 3. Larval dormancy, Winter size and vernalisation

Abstract

The factors influencing the size of hibernating larvae have been investigated. The large ones are formed early in summer, become quiescent at an important developmental stage known as brain position 0.5, and then pass through a period of slow growth characterised by high ratios of growth rate to development rate. They can be forced to metamorphose by vernal workers or temperatures as high as 25°C when they always yield workers. The medium larvae are formed after the large, and have reached the quiescent diapause stage (brain 0.5) before winter.