Diapause of the Southwestern Corn Borer, Diatraea grandiosella:1 Low Temperature Mortality and Geographical Distribution2

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Abstract
The influence of low temperature on the survival and geographical distribution of Diatraea grandiosella was examined. Data from both climatological and laboratory observations indicated that low-temperature mortality of diapause larvae is the principal reason that the species has not colonized northern corn-growing states within the U.S.A. Results showed that diapause larvae are susceptible to freezing and cannot successfully overwinter in field conditions where the 10-year-mean January temperature falls below −7°C. This finding correlated with information obtained about the species' coldhardiness. Diapause larvae were found to freeze at ca. −2°C and to supercool to only ca. −8.5°C. Severe mortality occurred when larvae were exposed to −4°C for 2 or 4 weeks. These results provide a basis for predicting the eventual distribution of the species within the United States.

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