Photoperiodic effect on diapause induction and development in the predator Orius insidiosus (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae)

Photoperiod influenced nymphal development and diapause induction in a laboratory culture of Orius insidiosus (Say). At 20 degrees C, development of nymphs was significantly faster at a photoperiod of 10:14 (L:D) than at 12:12, 13:11, 14:10, or 15:9. Subsequently, diapause induction exhibited a typical long-day response; nearly 100% of adult females entered reproductive diapause when reared under short photoperiods (10:14 [L:D]), whereas at longer photoperiods (12:12, 13:11, 14:10, 15:9 [L:D]), fewer insects initiated diapause (56.8, 29.7, 5.3, 12.9%, respectively). The critical photoperiod fell between 12:12 and 13:11 (L:D). Duration of the preoviposition period was inversely related to photoperiod