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VOL. 10, ISSUE 6 (2025)
Decoding insect diapause: Insights into physiology, environment, and Ecology
Authors
Dr. Saurav Shome
Abstract
Diapause is a hormonally regulated,
genetically programmed state of developmental arrest in insects that enables
survival during predictable periods of environmental adversity, such as extreme
temperatures or food scarcity. Unlike quiescence—which represents an immediate,
reversible response to unfavorable conditions—diapause is initiated in advance,
often in response to environmental cues such as photoperiod and temperature.
This review synthesizes current knowledge on the multifaceted nature of insect
diapause, beginning with a conceptual comparison between diapause and
quiescence and clarifying its distinctions from other hypothermic states. It
explores the environmental signals—particularly photoperiod and temperature—as
well as ecological and nutritional cues that trigger diapause, an evolutionary
conserved survival strategy in insects. The review outlines embryonic, larval,
and pupal diapause, detailing the sequential phases of diapause: preparation,
initiation, maintenance, and termination, with emphasis on seasonal forms such
as winter and summer diapause. The diversity of diapause strategies across
insect taxa and the evolutionary trade-offs they entail are also discussed.
Finally, the review examines key physiological and behavioral adaptations,
maternal effects, hormonal control mechanisms, and environmental factors that
influence the initiation, duration, and termination of diapause in insects. By
integrating ecological, physiological, and developmental perspectives, this
review provides a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms and
evolutionary significance of diapause in insect life histories
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Pages:65-74
How to cite this article:
Dr. Saurav Shome "Decoding insect diapause: Insights into physiology, environment, and Ecology". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 6, 2025, Pages 65-74
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