INDUCTION AND TERMINATION OF DIAPAUSE IN THE FACE FLY, MUSCA AUTUMNALIS (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE), IN THE LABORATORY

Abstract

AbstractDiapause induction studies showed that face flies, Musca autumnalis De Geer, from a recently established colony, entered diapause more readily than those that had been colonized for many years. Photoperiods of less than 16 h of light induced diapause at 16° and 27 °C but more flies entered diapause at 16°C. Maximum numbers of flies entered diapause under total darkness at 16°C, but the critical photoperiod corresponding to natural periods of daylight in late summer was 15 h of light at 16°C. Diapause termination studies indicated that 4 months’ exposure to 5 °C under total darkness was required for the termination of diapause.