The sensitivity of larval Plodia interpunctella and Ephestia elutella (Lepidoptera) to light during the photoperiodic induction of diapause

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The incidence of diapause in larvae of Plodia interpunctella and Ephestia elutella held under two light systems was examined. Both systems progressively shortened the photophase of 24‐h cycles, one with a motorized dimming switch providing dawns and dusks about 1 h long, the other switching the lights instantaneously. The mean critical photoperiod for P. interpunctella was about 131/4 h and for E. elutella just over 14 h. In both species light intensities as low as 0.2 lx influenced the induction of diapause. In P. interpunctella the critical photoperiod and sensitivity to light were similar at 23.±.;5°C and 20.5±0.5°C. At 22.5°C the percentage of diapausing larvae of E. elutella increased from 2% in long photoperiods (> 15 h light), to 100% in short photo‐periods (t 12.5h light). Fox P. interpunctella, at 22.5°C the percentage increased from zero in long photoperiods (> 14 h light) to about 98% in short photoperiods (< 11.5h light), and at 20°C from 12% to 100% over a similar photoperiodic range. Similar results were obtained under selected fixed photoperiods, switched on or off instantaneously.