Diapause in Microplitis croceipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Abstract
Microplitis croceipes entered diapause in response to short daylengths under experimental photoperiodic conditions. Critical daylengths of 10.5:13.5 (L:D) at 21°C and 11:13 (L:D) at 18°C were demonstrated. The development of the M. croceipes egg/larva represented the sensitive period, and the responsive stage was the prepupa. A significant interaction was shown between photoperiod and temperature in diapause induction. High variability was shown in development times from cocoon formation to adult emergence. Temperature alone (15°C) induced 100% diapause in a long photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D).