Dormancy and Diapause

Insects and mites are unable to control the temperature of their environment; instead, they make physiological adjustments that allow them to survive temperature extremes. In regions with freezing winters, insects and mites have at least one stage that is resistant to low temperatures. The resistant form may be any stage—egg,larva, nymph, pupa, or adult. When winter arrives, only the resistant form survives. Dormancy is the physiological state of an insect or mite during a period of arrested development, whereas diapause is the prolonged period of arrested development brought about by such adverse conditions as heat, drought, or cold. This condition can be used to advantage in rearing. For example, if leaving rearing cages unattended for several days or longer is unavoidable, many (but unfortunately not all) specimens can be refrigerated temporarily to slow their activity and perhaps force diapause. This measure should be used with caution since the degree and duration of cold tolerated by different species will vary.

The reverse situation, that of causing diapause to end, is equally useful. Overwintering pupae that normally would not develop into adults until spring can be forced to terminate diapause early by chilling them for several weeks or months, then bringing them to room temperature so normal activity will resume. Often mantid egg cases are brought indoors accidentally with Christmas greenery. The eggs, already chilled for several months, hatch when kept at room temperature, often to the complete surprise and consternation of the unsuspecting homeowner.