OVERWINTER SURVIVAL OF SPEAR-MARKED BLACK MOTH, RHEUMAPTERA HASTATA (LEPIDOPTERA: GEOMETRIDAE), PUPAE IN INTERIOR ALASKA

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Abstract
Snow depth is the most important environmental factor in the survival of overwintering Rheumaptera hastata (L.) pupae in interior Alaska. Pupae spend the winter in the leaf litter where litter temperatures are directly related to snow depth at given air temperatures. Winter survival is also dependent on the cessation of pupal development (diapause) and the development of cold-hardiness which is induced by certain physiological processes such as supercooling and changes in glycerol and carbohydrate levels. Glycerol content and supercooling are dependent on changes in carbohydrate levels which in turn are directly related to changes in the rate of pupal development prior to diapause.