Diapause in the Sugarcane Borer, Diatraea saccharalis1

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Abstract
Studies of diapause in larvae of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), were conducted by periodically collecting mature or nearly mature larvae from a sugarcane field near Port Allen, Louisiana from July 22, 1959 until March 22, 1960. These larvae were reared on pieces of fresh corn stems in a dark cabinet at a constant temperature of 80[degree]F. Those living longer than 19 days in the laboratory before pupation or death were considered in diapause. This arbitrary period of 19 days was the upper 95% fiducial limit for the time required for pupation by fourth instar larvae reared from eggs in the laboratory at 80[degree]F. It was concluded that a facultative diapause is probably present among full grown sugarcane borer larvae in Louisiana sugarcane fields during the fall months of each year. Diapause larvae were most abundant in a field in October, November and December, 1959. Diapause development apparently required about 3 months. Larvae in diapause were not completely inactive. Diapause larvae usually did not pupate in the laboratory unless Some diapause development had occurred in the field.

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