A REVIEW OF DIAPAUSE IN STORED-PRODUCT INSECTS

The occurrence of diapause in the life cycles of over 40 species of stored-product insects is described and some of the differences in the various types of diapause are highlighted. The incidence of diapause is most frequent among stored-product Dermestidae, Ptinidae and Bruchidae (Coleoptera), and Pyralidae (Lepidoptera). Factors critical for the regulation of diapause are temperature, photoperiod, the nature of the food, population density, moisture content of food, humidity and the availability of crevices and refuges. The role of diapause in the enabling of pest populations to survive seasonal climatic adversities and control procedures is discussed.