Diapause in Eggs of the Pale Western Cutworm Agrotis orthogonia Morr. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract

The eggs of the pale western cutworm. Agrotis orthogonia Morr., are laid in the soil between about August 15 and September 15, the peak of oviposition usually occurring hetween August 25 and September 5. The eggs commence development as soon as they are laid and in most years the embryos are fully developed by winter (Jacobson and Blakeley, 1958). Hatching occurs in the spring, usually soon after all snow has melted and the soil has thawed.