Diapause

Guides

Musca autumnalis
face fly, autumn housefly
Musca autumnalis, commonly known as the face fly or autumn housefly, is a nonbiting muscid fly native to the Palearctic region that was introduced to North America in the 1940s–1950s. Adults are obligate pests of cattle and horses, feeding on ocular and nasal secretions, tears, saliva, and blood from wounds. The species exhibits pronounced seasonal population dynamics, with peak abundance in late summer and autumn, and undergoes facultative diapause in adults triggered by short photoperiod and cool temperatures. Larval development occurs exclusively in fresh cattle dung, where larvae feed on microbial flora and fauna.
livestock-pest face-fly vector diapause dung-breeder cattle-parasite introduced-species North-America-invasion Muscidae Diptera
Nebria brevicollis
European Gazelle Beetle, Short-collared Gazelle Beetle
Nebria brevicollis is a ground beetle native to Europe and the Near East that has been introduced to western North America. It is a nocturnal, opportunistic predator with a flexible life history involving photoperiod-controlled reproductive diapause. The species exhibits remarkable habitat breadth, from sea level to alpine zones, and shows phenotypic plasticity in flight muscle development based on larval nutrition. Its rapid expansion in the Pacific Northwest has raised questions about potential ecological impacts on native carabid communities.
Carabidae ground-beetle invasive-species flight-loss diapause bioindicator nocturnal-predator Pacific-Northwest-introduction phenotypic-plasticity photoperiodic-control
Neophylax splendens
Neophylax splendens is a species of caddisfly in the family Uenoidae (formerly Thremmatidae). Larvae construct protective cases using silk and materials gathered from streambeds. The species was first described from North America in 1948 and has since been recorded in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan, Canada, representing a significant biogeographical extension linking montane regions of British Columbia and Utah to the southwestern corner of Saskatchewan.
caddisfly Trichoptera Uenoidae Thremmatidae case-building diapause montane Cypress-Hills Saskatchewan stream-insect
Nezara viridula
Southern Green Stink Bug, Southern Green Shield Bug, Green Vegetable Bug
Nezara viridula is a cosmopolitan, shield-shaped stink bug and major agricultural pest of leguminous crops, particularly soybeans, beans, and peas. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it has spread worldwide through human trade and strong flight capability. The species exhibits complex behaviors including aggregation, maternal guarding of egg masses, and vibrational communication for mate location. In temperate zones, adults enter winter diapause with a reversible color change from green to brown or russet.
agricultural-pest polyphagous stink-bug soybean-pest invasive-species vibrational-communication maternal-care diapause
Nineta
Nineta lacewings
Nineta is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, tribe Chrysopini, erected by Longinos Navás in 1912. Species occur across Europe, eastern Asia, and North America. Research on Nineta species has contributed significant findings on photoperiodic sensitivity in insects, particularly regarding diapause induction and seasonal adaptation in larval development.
Chrysopidae Neuroptera green-lacewings photoperiodism diapause seasonal-adaptation Navás-1912
Ochlerotatus triseriatus
eastern treehole mosquito, treehole mosquito
Ochlerotatus triseriatus, the eastern treehole mosquito, is a container-breeding mosquito native to North America. It is the primary enzootic vector of La Crosse virus, the leading cause of arboviral encephalitis in children in the United States. Larvae develop in natural tree holes and artificial water-holding containers, feeding on microbial communities associated with decaying organic matter. The species exhibits strong density-dependent survival, with larval crowding significantly reducing per-capita survival rates—a trait that has important implications for mosquito control strategies.
vector La-Crosse-virus container-breeder tree-hole-mosquito mosquito-control density-dependence public-health native-species diapause microbial-feeding overwinter-survival larval-competition arbovirus encephalitis Culicidae Aedini North-America
Oedipodinae
Bandwing Grasshoppers, band-winged grasshoppers
Oedipodinae, commonly known as bandwing grasshoppers, is a subfamily of grasshoppers within the family Acrididae. Members are characterized by colorful, often banded hindwings that are typically concealed at rest but revealed during flight. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution and includes many species adapted to xeric and open habitats. Some Oedipodinae species are among the most economically important locusts, capable of forming dense migratory swarms that cause extensive agricultural damage.
grasshopper locust pest rangeland agriculture acridid bandwing xeric diapause outbreak swarm herbivore North-America Asia Australia Mediterranean
Onthophagus nuchicornis
Small black-and-brown Dung Beetle
Onthophagus nuchicornis is a Palearctic dung beetle introduced to North America in the 1840s, now established across Canada and the northern United States. The species exhibits generalist coprophagy, successfully reproducing using dung from both domestic livestock and indigenous mammals including bobcat, moose, red fox, and raccoon. It possesses an obligatory cold reproductive diapause restricting it to a single generation per year. In the United Kingdom, it is listed as Vulnerable, while in North America it is abundant and has been employed as a model organism for ecotoxicological studies of ivermectin effects on dung burial behavior.
dung-beetle introduced-species coprophage diapause ecotoxicology-model pasture-ecosystem sexual-dimorphism ivermectin-effects generalist-feeder Palaearctic-native Nearctic-introduced single-generation-per-year brood-ball tunneling-behavior competition-with-native-species CLIMEX-bioclimatic-model nutrient-cycling soil-aeration cattle-pasture-management Vulnerable-(UK)
Oobius
Oobius is a genus of parasitic non-stinging wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Species are specialized egg parasitoids of wood-boring beetles, particularly in the family Buprestidae (jewel beetles) and Cerambycidae (longhorn beetles). The genus has gained significant attention due to the use of O. agrili as a biological control agent against the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in North America. Oobius species are small, morphologically cryptic wasps that are often distinguished by subtle differences in antennal structure and tarsomere count. Several species exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction and undergo diapause to synchronize their life cycles with host availability.
biological-control egg-parasitoid emerald-ash-borer Chalcidoidea parthenogenesis diapause forest-entomology invasive-species-management
Oobius agrili
Oob
Oobius agrili is a tiny, solitary egg parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, native to Northeast Asia. It is the only egg parasitoid released for biological control of the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) in North America, where it has been introduced in over 31 US states. The species is parthenogenic, produces multiple generations annually, and achieves partial phenological synchrony with its host's egg-laying period. Individual females can parasitize more than 60 host eggs, with field parasitism rates reaching 60% in optimal conditions.
parasitoid biological-control emerald-ash-borer invasive-species-management Hymenoptera Encyrtidae forest-entomology classical-biological-control parthenogenesis diapause multivoltine ash-trees Fraxinus Agrilus-planipennis North-America-introduction Northeast-Asia-native-range
Orchestes fagi
Beech leaf-mining weevil, beech leaf-miner beetle
Orchestes fagi is a small weevil species native to Europe that has become invasive in North America, where it attacks American beech (Fagus grandifolia). The larvae mine the leaves of beech trees, while adults undergo an extended diapause of eight to nine months, overwintering on tree boles. The species has spread through eastern Nova Scotia, Canada, with human-assisted transport via firewood and timber implicated in its range expansion.
invasive-species leaf-miner forest-pest Coleoptera Curculionidae Fagus beech diapause firewood-vector
Oreoneta
A genus of dwarf spiders (family Linyphiidae) established in 1894, comprising approximately 30 species distributed across cold-temperate and Arctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Most species inhabit high-latitude or high-altitude environments. The genus was revised extensively by Saaristo & Marusik in 2004, resulting in numerous new species descriptions.
Arachnida Araneae Linyphiidae dwarf-spider Arctic boreal Holarctic tundra montane predator cold-adapted ground-dwelling high-latitude high-altitude Saaristo Marusik Chyzer Kulczyński 1894 2004-revision genitalic-characters epigynum embolus conductor palaearctic nearctic Eurasia North-America Scandinavia Siberia Alaska Canada Greenland Kazakhstan Mongolia China Kurile-Islands Finland Sweden Norway Germany Switzerland Italy Slovakia Bulgaria Central-Europe type-species:-Oreoneta-frigida thirty-species 30-species small-spider sheet-web-weaver money-spider Linyphiinae Erigoninae microhabitat litter-dwelling cryptic understudied taxonomic-revision morphological-taxonomy light-microscopy species-description biogeography glacial-refugia post-glacial-colonization endemic regional-endemic alpine-endemic Arctic-endemic boreal-forest taiga rocky-habitat meadow wetland stream-margin snowbed fellfield heath moss lichen vegetation soil-surface stone rock boulder scree talus debris humus organic-layer permafrost polar subpolar cold-stenotherm stenotherm stenotopic habitat-specialist conservation rare data-deficient IUCN red-list natural-history systematics phylogeny molecular-systematics DNA-barcoding COI cytochrome-oxidase 28S 18S ITS morphology taxonomy alpha-taxonomy revision monograph faunistics chorology zoogeography dispersal vicariance speciation cryptic-species species-complex species-group species-aggregate subspecies infraspecific variation polymorphism sexual-dimorphism male female juvenile instar ecdysis molting development growth reproduction mating courtship sperm-transfer spermatophore pedipalp palpal-organ copulatory-organ genitalia epigyne vulva spermatheca fertilization-duct copulatory-duct atrium scape maceration dissection microscope stereomicroscope compound-microscope illustration drawing photography SEM scanning-electron-microscopy habitus dorsal ventral lateral prosoma opisthosoma abdomen cephalothorax carapace sternum chelicera fang leg tarsus metatarsus tibia patella femur coxa trochanter spinneret colulus tracheal-spiracle book-lung cuticle seta hair spine macroseta sensillum chaetotaxy eye oculus ocelli anterior-median-eye posterior-median-eye anterior-lateral-eye posterior-lateral-eye eye-tubercle clypeus fovea pedicel waist constriction color pattern pigmentation melanism albinism size measurement total-length carapace-length carapace-width abdomen-length leg-length leg-formula index ratio proportion allometry ontogeny subadult adult maturity sexual-maturity reproductive-maturity longevity life-span generation-time voltinism univoltine semivoltine biennial perennial overwintering diapause quiescence cold-hardiness freeze-tolerance freeze-avoidance supercooling cryoprotectant glycerol sorbitol trehalose thermal-biology thermoregulation behavioral-thermoregulation postural-thermoregulation activity diurnal nocturnal crepuscular matutinal vespertine circadian rhythm seasonal phenology calendar date month activity-period breeding-season oviposition egg egg-sac cocoon silk web sheet-web tangle-web space-web platform-web dome-web bowl-web funnel retreat signal-line dragline attachment-disc ampullate-gland cylindriform-gland aciniform-gland aggregate-gland flagelliform-gland tubuliform-gland piriform-gland major-ampullate minor-ampullate silk-protein spidroin fibroin sericin glue viscid dry capture-silk dragline-silk safety-line anchor-line frame-line radial-line spiral-line sticky-spiral non-sticky-spiral hub perimeter substrate niche guild functional-group trophic-level carnivore zoophage arthropodivore insectivore prey capture attack subdue immobilize kill feed digest extraoral-digestion sucking-stomach gut midgut hindgut Malpighian-tubule excretion osmoregulation metabolism respiration trachea spiracle gas-exchange circulation hemolymph heart aorta sinus nervous-system brain ganglion nerve sensory-organ mechanoreceptor chemoreceptor thermoreceptor hygroreceptor photoreceptor proprioceptor trichobothrium tarsal-organ slit-sensillum lyriform-organ pedipalp-organ Haller's-organ contact-chemoreceptor gustatory olfactory pheromone semiochemical kairomone allomone synomone communication signal vibration seismic airborne visual chemical tactile copulation insemination sperm spermatozoon median-apophysis terminal-apophysis paracymbium cymbium bulbus tegulum subtegulum radix lamella process apophysis flange hook coil spiral duct reservoir sclerite plate field fossa pocket receptaculum spermathecae gland insemination-duct uterus uterus-externus uterus-internus vagina gonopore ovipositor ovary oviduct follicle vitellogenesis oogenesis spermatogenesis testis vas-deferens ejaculatory-duct seminal-vesicle fecundity fertility clutch-size egg-number hatching emergence ballooning aerial-dispersal silk-dragline gossamer migration movement walking running jumping climbing burrowing hiding refuge shelter defense predation predator-avoidance antipredator crypsis camouflage mimicry aposematism deimatic thanatosis autotomy leg-loss regeneration injury wound healing immune-response hemocyte melanization encapsulation nodule parasite parasitoid pathogen fungus bacterium virus nematode mite grooming cleaning hygiene self-maintenance silk-use web-use prey-capture foraging hunting ambush sit-and-wait active-hunting searching probing testing exploration learning memory cognition behavior ethology ecology population community ecosystem biome biosphere habitat environment abiotic biotic factor temperature humidity moisture precipitation rain snow wind light photoperiod day-length radiation UV soil cover complexity heterogeneity productivity energy nutrient carbon nitrogen phosphorus food-web trophic-interaction predator-prey competition intraspecific interspecific resource partitioning coexistence diversity richness evenness abundance density frequency occurrence presence absence detection sampling collection pitfall-trap quadrat transect hand-collecting beating sifting extraction Berlese Tullgren Winkler flotation sorting preservation ethanol formalin mount slide label catalog database repository museum voucher type holotype paratype syntype lectotype paralectotype neotype topotype original data locality georeference coordinate latitude longitude elevation altitude depth collector determination identification expert specialist literature publication journal article paper book thesis dissertation report checklist online digital archive bibliography reference citation author year volume page figure map table appendix supplementary material methods results discussion conclusion abstract keyword index-term subject topic discipline science biology zoology arachnology entomology evolution phylogenetics biological nature protection management policy legislation restoration monitoring assessment indicator flagship umbrella keystone engineer service function dynamics stability resilience resistance recovery succession disturbance climate change warming glacier range shift expansion contraction fragmentation isolation connectivity corridor network reserve park protected area wilderness urban rural agricultural forestry mining impact threat risk vulnerability sensitivity exposure adaptive capacity mitigation adaptation sustainable use harvest trade economy medicine research education outreach citizen engagement awareness appreciation aesthetic cultural spiritual existence value intrinsic instrumental utilitarian anthropocentric biocentric ecocentric ethic philosophy history discovery expedition voyage survey inventory fauna biota biodiversity life earth planet wildlife animal invertebrate arthropod chelicerate arachnid spider araneomorph entelegyne micryphantid Oreoneta 2004 frigida type-species alpine feeding type-specimen climate-change protected-area
Orius insidiosus
insidious flower bug, minute pirate bug
Orius insidiosus, commonly known as the insidious flower bug or minute pirate bug, is a predatory true bug widely distributed across the Americas. Adults are approximately 2–3 mm in length, black with distinctive white wing markings. The species is an important biological control agent, mass-reared commercially for management of thrips, aphids, mites, and other agricultural pests in greenhouses and field crops. Both nymphs and adults are predatory, though they also feed on pollen and plant tissues, making them zoophytophagous. Despite their beneficial role, they occasionally bite humans, causing disproportionately painful but harmless irritation.
predator biological-control zoophytophagous thrips-predator aphid-predator mite-predator agricultural-beneficial greenhouse-biological-control occasional-human-biter mass-reared commercial-natural-enemy integrated-pest-management urban-insect-ecology diapause overwintering-adult endophytic-oviposition pollen-feeding
Papilio zelicaon nitra
Papilio zelicaon nitra is a subspecies of the anise swallowtail, a western North American butterfly in the family Papilionidae. The parent species Papilio zelicaon is well-documented as having larvae that resemble bird droppings, providing camouflage from predators. When disturbed, the caterpillar extends its osmeterium, a forked scent gland that releases a strong odor as a defensive mechanism. This subspecies is part of a group showing complex life cycle adaptations including non-diapause overwintering strategies in some populations.
swallowtail camouflage defense osmeterium diapause climate-change-research
Papilio zelicaon zelicaon
Anise Swallowtail
The nominate subspecies of the Anise Swallowtail, found in western North America. Larvae possess distinctive defensive osmeteria—scent glands that evert when disturbed, releasing foul-smelling compounds. The species has been extensively studied for diapause dynamics and host plant relationships, with research demonstrating Type III diapause-induction curves. Laboratory life table studies have been conducted to test survivorship hypotheses across its elevational range.
swallowtail diapause osmeterium life-table-research western-North-America Apiaceae-specialist
Parnassius
Apollos, snow Apollos
Parnassius is a genus of cold-adapted butterflies found in northern circumpolar regions and high-elevation montane habitats including the Alps and Himalayas. These butterflies exhibit altitudinal melanism—dark bodies and darkened wing bases that facilitate rapid solar warming in cold environments. Despite belonging to the swallowtail family Papilionidae, they lack the characteristic tail extensions. The genus comprises 38–47 disputed species and serves as an important model system for studying metapopulation dynamics, population genetics, and thermal ecology in the context of climate change.
alpine arctic montane cold-adapted altitudinal-melanism sphragis climate-change-indicator poor-disperser univoltine diapause thermoregulation metapopulation-model
Parnassius smintheus
Rocky Mountain parnassian, Rocky Mountain apollo
Parnassius smintheus is a high-altitude butterfly endemic to the Rocky Mountains of North America. It inhabits alpine and subalpine meadows where it depends on Sedum lanceolatum as its primary larval host plant. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in behavior: males are highly mobile and patrol meadows for females, while females are relatively sedentary and search for oviposition sites primarily by crawling. Population dynamics are strongly influenced by early-winter weather conditions, particularly November temperature extremes and snowfall, which affect overwintering egg survival. Climate change poses significant threats through rising treeline and altered snowpack patterns.
butterfly Papilionidae alpine Rocky-Mountains univoltine chemical-defense climate-sensitive habitat-specialist sexual-dimorphism diapause
Perillus bioculatus
two-spotted stink bug, double-eyed soldier bug
Perillus bioculatus is a predatory stink bug native to North America that has been introduced to Europe and Asia as a biological control agent. Both nymphs and adults are specialized predators of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) eggs and larvae, using toxic venom and digestive enzymes to subdue and liquefy prey. The species has established expanding populations in southeastern Europe, with recent records from Serbia, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey. Research demonstrates its ability to locate prey by detecting volatile compounds released by beetle-damaged potato plants.
biological-control predatory-stink-bug Colorado-potato-beetle agricultural-pest-management invasive-species chemical-ecology diapause
Periplaneta japonica
Japanese cockroach, Yamato cockroach
Periplaneta japonica is a cold-tolerant cockroach native to Japan, adapted to cooler northern climates. It possesses a flexible life cycle with facultative nymphal diapause, allowing nymphs to overwinter once or twice before reaching maturity. The species produces a unique viscous proteinaceous secretion in nymphs that enables active defense against ant predators. First documented in the United States in 2012 in New York City, it has been observed to survive outdoors in freezing temperatures, distinguishing it from most urban cockroach pests.
cockroach invasive-species cold-tolerance diapause urban-pest Japan New-York defensive-secretion DNA-barcoding-identification Periplaneta Blattidae Blattodea
Philotiella
Philotiella is a genus of small 'blue' butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, subfamily Polyommatinae, native to western North America. The genus contains two recognized species: Philotiella leona (Leona's Blue), described in 2000 and considered imperiled, and Philotiella speciosa (small blue), described in 1877. Research on P. speciosa indicates that diapause intensity varies with elevation and correlates with host plant bloom periods. Philotiella leona has been the subject of population biology and life history studies in south-central Oregon due to its conservation concern.
Lycaenidae Polyommatinae western-North-America diapause imperiled-species conservation
Philotiella speciosa
small blue
Philotiella speciosa, commonly known as the small blue, is a North American butterfly species in the family Lycaenidae. It is a small blue butterfly with a Hodges number of 4370. The species exhibits diapause, with diapause intensity correlated to host plant bloom periods and elevation. Four subspecies are recognized: P. s. bohartorum, P. s. purisima (lompoc blue), P. s. septentrionalis, and the nominate P. s. speciosa.
butterfly Lycaenidae blue-butterfly North-America diapause Hodges-4370
Phyciodes tharos
Pearl Crescent
Phyciodes tharos, commonly known as the Pearl Crescent, is a small brush-footed butterfly native to North America. It is one of the most widespread and abundant crescent butterflies, occurring from southern Canada through the United States and into Mexico. The species is notable for its variable wing patterns and its ecological flexibility, thriving in disturbed and open habitats. Populations in warmer southern regions may produce up to six generations annually, while northern populations typically have fewer broods.
butterfly brush-footed Nymphalidae crescent pollinator generalist multiple-broods diapause
Phytodietus
Phytodietus is a species-rich genus of ichneumonid wasps in the subfamily Tryphoninae, distributed across all zoogeographical regions. Members are koinobiont ectoparasitoids of semi-concealed Lepidoptera larvae, with documented associations primarily to Tortricidae and Pyralidae. The genus was recently recorded from Thailand for the first time, expanding Oriental region documentation. Several species have been investigated for biological control of agricultural pests.
parasitoid biological-control Tortricidae Pyralidae koinobiont ectoparasitoid forest-habitats agricultural-pest-management multivoltine diapause
Pieridae
Whites, Yellows, Sulphurs, Orangetips
Pieridae is a large family of butterflies containing approximately 76 genera and 1,100 species, characterized by white, yellow, or orange coloration with black markings. The family was established by William Swainson in 1820. The name "butterfly" is believed to derive from the brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni), a member of this family historically called the "butter-coloured fly." The family is divided into four subfamilies: Dismorphiinae, Pierinae, Coliadinae, and Pseudopontiinae. Many species are economically significant as agricultural pests, particularly those feeding on brassicas.
butterflies Lepidoptera agricultural-pests climate-change-indicators mud-puddling hilltopping diapause mimicry
Piophilidae
cheese skipper flies, skipper flies, cheese flies, ham skippers, bacon flies
Piophilidae are a family of small Diptera commonly known as cheese skipper or skipper flies. Most species are scavengers specialized on animal products, carrion, and fungi. The family is notable for larvae that possess an unusual leaping ability, achieved by grasping their posterior with mouth hooks and releasing to catapult themselves. Several species have forensic and medical significance, including Piophila casei, a cosmopolitan pest of cured meats and cheeses whose larvae can cause enteric myiasis in humans.
forensic-entomology medical-entomology myiasis carrion decomposition sexual-dimorphism sexual-selection diapause
Plagiodera
willow leaf beetles
Plagiodera is a genus of leaf beetles in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, containing approximately six recognized species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus is best known for Plagiodera versicolora, commonly called the imported willow leaf beetle, which has been introduced to North America from Europe and is a significant pest of willow and poplar species. Members of this genus are specialized herbivores of Salicaceae, with well-documented chemical ecology and host-plant interactions.
leaf-beetle Chrysomelidae willow-pest salicaceae-specialist cycloalexy chemical-defense introduced-species diapause chemoreception skeletonization-feeding
Plagiodera versicolora
Willow Leaf Beetle, Imported Willow Leaf Beetle
Plagiodera versicolora is a small leaf beetle in the subfamily Chrysomelinae, commonly known as the willow leaf beetle or imported willow leaf beetle. Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region, it has been introduced to North America and occurs in parts of Asia. The species is a specialist herbivore on Salicaceae, feeding on willow and poplar leaves throughout its life cycle. Adults overwinter in protected locations and become active in spring, with multiple generations developing through summer. The species has been extensively studied for its chemosensory biology, host plant interactions, and as a model for understanding insect-plant coevolution.
leaf-beetle willow-pest specialist-herbivore introduced-species chemoreception-model Salicaceae skeletonization cycloalexy diapause metallic-coloration
Platycotis vittata
Oak Treehopper
Platycotis vittata, commonly known as the oak treehopper, is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae. It is an obligate specialist on oak trees (Quercus spp.) and exhibits notable presocial behavior including maternal care of eggs and nymphs. Adults are 9–13 mm in length with variable coloration ranging from sea green to bronze, olive green, or pale blue with red dots or four lengthwise stripes. The species is bivoltine, producing two discrete generations in early spring and autumn, with females of both generations entering diapause. Males locate and court females using substrate-borne vibrational signals.
treehopper oak-specialist maternal-care presocial-behavior vibrational-communication bivoltine diapause phloem-feeder North-America
Platyedra
Platyedra is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae. Some species are significant agricultural pests, particularly Platyedra gossypiella (Pink Bollworm), which attacks cotton, and Platyedra malvella (Hollyhock Seed Moth), which feeds on hollyhock seeds. The genus exhibits variation in life history strategies, with some species having facultative larval diapause influenced by environmental humidity. Species occur across Europe, Africa, and Asia.
agricultural-pest seed-predator cotton-pest hollyhock-pest diapause Gelechiidae
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
invasive-species social-wasp paper-wasp predator pollinator urban-ecology eusocial nest-construction biological-control thermal-biology spatial-learning vibrational-communication aposematism honest-signal overwintering diapause Polistes Vespidae Hymenoptera North-America Europe New-Zealand South-Africa South-America monarch-butterfly caterpillar-predation nest-architecture gyne foundress dominance-hierarchy climate-change-impact energetics metabolic-rate microclimate suburban-habitat anthropogenic ornamental-pest vineyard-pest fruit-damage stinging-insect venom poison-gland warning-coloration Zahavian-signal Strepsiptera parasitoid Xenos behavioral-plasticity foraging learning memory thermoregulation ectothermy endothermy solar-radiation nest-temperature brood-development colony-survival multiple-founding single-founding season-length latitude temperate Mediterranean hibernacle overwintering-costs climate-warming range-expansion competition native-species-displacement biodiversity-impact conservation management control integrated-pest-management IPM identification antennae-color facial-markings caste reproduction male female sexual-dimorphism antennae abdomen wing mandible saliva paper comb cell pedicel trophallaxis larva pupa adult worker queen subordinate dominant aggression defense threat-display sting toxicity brightness coloration predator-avoidance prey caterpillar Lepidoptera butterfly moth garden agriculture vineyard orchard urban suburban rural forest habitat-preference temperature metabolism quiescence torpor survival fitness colony nest population abundance distribution range expansion invasion establishment introduction biotic-interaction trophic-cascade herbivory-suppression plant-fitness milkweed Danaus-plexippus monarch Nelson Tasman ecosystem-impact conservation-management biological-invasion ecology behavior physiology morphology taxonomy systematics nomenclature gender-agreement Latin Christ 1791 Vespa-dominula basionym 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often coated repel chief construction apparent destined likely determined stage act eventually assert leave performs securing developing offspring harvesting fiber surface dead fence post scrape ball deftly plies strip added existing worth having heavily Webworm grab hairy butcher kill spot stripping off any irritating hair spine easily consumed directly share turn distribute occupy reach maturity spin silken dome top molt shortly thereafter freedom sole fertilize Watch August September easy though genders elbow taper goldenrod Solidago throughwort Eupatorium evident extreme variability pair deep marking vary considerably DNA adding mud situation instead clarifying shown below going lump Enjoy watching unless antagonize give standing tip-toe raising make perfectly peaceful neighbor Posted 2:40 AM Email ThisBlogThis!Share XShare FacebookShare Pinterest Labels nature 6 comment ShandaSeptember 8 2010 5:26 loved get never faced can't wait kid question left end hibernate produced ReplyDelete RepliesReplyOut prairieSeptember 8:02 keeping cabbage worm seen RepliesReplyAnonymousSeptember 13 2:06 PM becoming here Upper Peninsula Michigan pendulum seems swung ago everywhere vanishingly rare haven't again house right RepliesReplyL.R ShimerSeptember 4:35 head gal work everybody else kinda egalitarian RepliesReplyLarryMay 9:34 directed Bev Wigney BTW lived NE Missouri detailed presented Thanks cogent scientifically accurate summary insect's life-cycle RepliesBug EricMay 3:47 kind compliments Delete RepliesReplyReplyAdd commentLoad Blog currently reply reader himself Working resolve Newer Older Subscribe Atom Demonized hosting 4 p.m.Saturday Jan 20 Room 1124 Academic Surge 455 Crocker Lane campus Attendees chat check 50,000 vespid eight-million free friendly Parking estimate 2000 described inhabit 500 undescribed headline-grabbing giant Vespa mandarinia formerly Asian news media dubbed murder hornet confuse identify sheet example hidden rodent burrow wall huge 100,00 will scavenge meat sugar soda hamburger road open-faced commonly located annual die cabbageworm white superb much delivered presentation website interested mechanism evolution honey Current project involve novo sequencing genome transcriptome genomic epigenetic regulating nutrition virus health hold doctorate Illinois Urbana–Champaign Gene Robinson postdoctoral Christina Grozinger unwelcome yard patio Preferring like beneath Sometimes legless grublike outstretched hand 15 relatively unaggressive problem doorway list earlier lepidopteran carry yeast winemaking fermentation flavor wine fuscatus recognize devoted mother dote fury opinion human-like great cooperator overall undercurrent selfishness manifest perfect themselves mushroom learning/memory 10 photogenic peer petal visitor camp Sierra Nevada mountain witnessed stinging crowded table ah sipped wondered says elsewhere which fertilized must warms enough lot protein baby need survived because drier usual deal competing go maintenance 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Polygonia
comma, anglewing
Polygonia is a genus of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, commonly known as commas or anglewings. Members are recognized by a conspicuous white comma-shaped mark on the underside of each hindwing and angular notches on the outer edges of the forewings. The genus exhibits remarkable seasonal polyphenism, with distinct light and dark morphs corresponding to non-diapausing and diapausing generations. Many species hibernate as adults. The genus has been alternatively classified as a subgenus of Nymphalis.
butterfly Nymphalidae comma anglewing diapause seasonal-polyphenism cryptic-coloration dead-leaf-mimicry adult-hibernation host-plant-plasticity folivore dung-feeding sap-feeding
Praon
Praon is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Aphidiinae containing at least 70 described species. Species are solitary parasitoids of aphids, with females laying eggs inside living hosts. Several species are important biological control agents in agricultural systems. Notable species include P. pequodorum, a native North American parasitoid that outcompeted introduced Aphidius ervi on bacterially-defended pea aphids, and P. volucre, a commercially produced biocontrol agent that exhibits facultative pupal diapause.
parasitoid aphid-parasitoid biological-control diapause competition Holarctic
Pristiphora geniculata
mountain ash sawfly, rowan leaf sawfly, Ebereschen-Blattwespe
Pristiphora geniculata is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, native to the Palaearctic region and introduced to North America. It is a specialized herbivore of Sorbus species, particularly mountain ash (rowan). The species exhibits facultative parthenogenesis and shows pronounced sexual dimorphism in larval development, with females having five instars compared to four in males. In eastern Canada, it typically produces two generations annually, though only one in northern Quebec and at higher elevations in Europe. The species has been the target of successful classical biological control programs using the parasitoid wasp Olesicampe geniculatae.
sawfly Tenthredinidae herbivore pest biological-control parthenogenesis sexual-dimorphism diapause Palaearctic invasive-species classical-biological-control-success gregarious-feeding Olesicampe-geniculatae Sorbus mountain-ash rowan
Procystiphora
Procystiphora is a genus of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae) that induce galls in bamboo culms and branchlets. The genus is notable for possessing an inverted ovipositor—the first documented case in Diptera—where the ovipositor is dorsoventrally reversed relative to the typical orientation. Species have been described from Japan and China, where they develop within galls on Sasa and Phyllostachys bamboos respectively.
gall-midge bamboo inverted-ovipositor univoltine diapause parasitoid
Prodoxus decipiens
Bogus Yucca Moth
Prodoxus decipiens is a bogus yucca moth (family Prodoxidae) that specializes on Yucca host plants. Unlike mutualistic yucca moths, this species does not pollinate its host but instead lays eggs in flowering stalks where larvae develop internally. Host use is constrained by both ecological availability and intrinsic host plant characteristics; larvae successfully complete development only on specific Yucca species. The species exhibits strong host specialization, with populations typically associated with particular Yucca hosts such as Yucca filamentosa.
yucca-moth specialist-herbivore coevolution host-race diapause internal-feeder non-pollinating
Prosapia simulans
Prosapia simulans is a spittlebug species (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) native to Central America that was first detected in Colombia in 1999, where it has since become an economic pest of cultivated graminoids. The species has a hemimetabolous life cycle with five nymphal instars and exhibits a notably long life cycle of approximately 72 days compared to other spittlebug species in the region. Females preferentially oviposit on plant stems rather than soil, distinguishing it ecologically from congeners. Eggs can enter diapause, with field-collected eggs showing nearly 70% diapause incidence during dry season months. The species currently has a restricted distribution within Colombia's Cauca Valley but poses ongoing agricultural concern.
spittlebug agricultural-pest invasive-species pasture-pest xylem-feeder diapause Colombia Central-America Brachiaria graminoid-pest
Protophormia
Northern blow flies
Protophormia is a genus of blow flies (Calliphoridae) containing two recognized species: P. atriceps and P. terraenovae. These flies are distributed across Eurasia and Northern America. The genus has been extensively studied in laboratory settings for circadian rhythms, photoperiodism, and reproductive physiology, particularly in P. terraenovae.
Calliphoridae blow-fly carrion forensic-entomology photoperiodism circadian-rhythm diapause P.-terraenovae P.-atriceps
Protophormia terraenovae
northern blowfly, blue-bottle fly, blue-assed fly, blackbottle
Protophormia terraenovae is a large, metallic blue-green blowfly with a Holarctic distribution. It is the most cold-tolerant calliphorid species, occurring from the Arctic to temperate regions. The species is economically significant as a cause of myiasis in livestock and valuable in maggot debridement therapy due to its selective consumption of necrotic tissue and antibiotic secretions. Its temperature-dependent development makes it a key forensic indicator for post-mortem interval estimation.
forensic-entomology maggot-therapy myiasis carrion-ecology cold-tolerance Holarctic calliphorid blowfly necrophagous post-mortem-interval wound-strike livestock-pest antibiotic-secretion photoperiodism circadian-rhythm diapause
Pseudostenophylax
northern caddisflies
Pseudostenophylax is a genus of northern caddisflies in the family Limnephilidae, containing at least 80 described species. The genus was established by Martynov in 1909 with Pseudostenophylax fumosus as the type species. Species are primarily distributed across northern regions of North America and Eurasia, with notable diversity in Japan and alpine regions. Research on Japanese species has revealed strong phylogeographic patterns linked to mountain formation and glacial history.
alpine subalpine phylogeography aquatic-insects mountain-biodiversity Japan caddisfly Trichoptera Limnephilidae northern-hemisphere Pseudostenophylacinae lotic-systems diapause univoltine
Psyllaephagus
Psyllaephagus is a large genus of chalcid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, containing approximately 245–246 described species as of 2019, with greatest diversity in Australia (~100 described species, possibly ~1,000 total). The genus was established by William Harris Ashmead in 1900. Most species are primary parasitoids of psylloids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea), with some secondary parasitoids. Three Australian species—P. pilosus, P. bliteus, and P. yaseeni—have been successfully deployed as biological control agents against invasive psylloids in California, Europe, Hawaii, and southeast Asia.
parasitoid biological-control psyllid Encyrtidae Chalcidoidea metallic-wasp diapause invasive-species-management pistachio-pest-control eucalyptus-pest-control
Pteronarcys
Giant Stoneflies, Salmonflies
Pteronarcys is a genus of giant stoneflies in the family Pteronarcyidae, commonly known as salmonflies. The genus comprises approximately 8 described species distributed across North America and Far Eastern Russia. These are among the largest stoneflies, with nymphs reaching substantial sizes in lotic freshwater habitats. Life cycles are notably long, ranging from 1 to 5 years depending on species and thermal conditions, with multiple larval diapause stages and temperature-dependent egg development documented in several species.
stonefly aquatic-insect lotic detritivore bioindicator salmonfly long-life-cycle diapause phoresy thermal-tolerance
Ptinus fur
white-marked spider beetle, whitemarked spider beetle
Ptinus fur is a small stored-product pest beetle with a nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Adults measure 2.0–4.3 mm and are distinguished by red-brown coloration with yellow hairs, dense pale hairs on the prothorax, and patches of white scales on the elytra. The species is morphologically similar to Ptinus villiger. It develops optimally at 23°C, completing its life cycle in approximately 132 days on fishmeal. Larval diapause in cocoons can extend development by 220–280 days. The species is unlikely to reach large population sizes due to its long development period, small egg output (mean 38.6 eggs per female), and tendency for diapause.
stored-product-pest spider-beetle cosmopolitan museum-pest diapause
Pyrrharctia
woolly bear moth
Pyrrharctia is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, described by Packard in 1864. The genus contains two described species found in North and Central America. The best-known species, Pyrrharctia isabella, produces the familiar banded woolly bear caterpillar, widely recognized for its black and orange banded appearance and cultural association with winter weather prediction. The genus is notable for the freeze-tolerance adaptations of its larvae, which overwinter as caterpillars using cryoprotectant compounds to survive subfreezing temperatures.
freeze-tolerance cryoprotectants woolly-bear weather-folklore tiger-moth overwintering-larvae diapause supercooling citizen-science North-America Central-America Erebidae Arctiinae
Recurvaria
Recurvaria is a genus of small moths in the family Gelechiidae, established by Haworth in 1828. The genus contains approximately 40 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Several species are economically significant as pests of coniferous trees and pistachio, with larvae that mine needles or feed internally within fruits. The genus exhibits diverse life history strategies, including univoltine and bivoltine cycles, with some species requiring two years to complete development.
Gelechiidae Litini needle-miner pistachio-pest forest-pest Holarctic internal-feeder diapause multivoltine semivoltine
Rhagoletis indifferens
Western Cherry Fruit Fly, Western Cherry Fruitfly
Rhagoletis indifferens, the western cherry fruit fly, is a specialist tephritid fruit fly native to western North America and a major pest of cultivated sweet and sour cherries. Adults are slightly smaller than a housefly with distinctive white abdominal stripes and patterned wings. The species exhibits obligate winter diapause as pupae in soil and has been introduced to Switzerland. Climate change poses a threat due to its diapause requirements.
pest fruit-fly cherry tephritidae western-north-america diapause economic-importance
Rhagoletis tabellaria
Rhagoletis tabellaria is a fruit fly in the family Tephritidae, first described by Fitch in 1855. Its primary host plant is Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood). The species is parasitized by the braconid wasp Utetes tabellariae, which has coevolved with flies in the R. tabellaria species complex. Laboratory studies indicate strict pupal diapause requiring extended chilling for successful eclosion.
fruit-fly diapause host-specific parasitoid-association laboratory-studied
Rhagoletotrypeta
Rhagoletotrypeta is a genus of tephritid fruit flies native to the Americas, established by Aczél in 1951. The genus currently includes nine described species distributed across the Neotropics, with records from Cuba, Argentina, and other regions. Species in this genus are fruit-infesting flies whose larvae develop inside the fruits of Celtis species (Cannabaceae). The genus is notable for its extended pupal dormancy periods, which can last approximately 12 months in some populations.
fruit-fly Tephritidae Carpomyini Celtis diapause Neotropical subtropical
Rhopalotria furfuracea
Rhopalotria furfuracea is a cycad weevil in the family Belidae, described by O'Brien & Tang in 2015. This species was previously referred to as Rhopalotria mollis in older literature, including the 1989 study that established its obligate pollination mutualism with Zamia furfuracea. The weevil exhibits highly specialized host-specificity to this cycad species, with all life stages completed within host cones. The relationship represents one of the most specialized known insect-cycad mutualisms.
cycad-weevil pollination-mutualism obligate-mutualism Zamia Belidae diapause cone-thermogenesis host-specificity taxonomic-revision
Rupela
Rupela is a genus of moths in the family Crambidae, subfamily Schoenobiinae. The genus contains species associated with grass hosts, including the well-studied white rice borer Rupela albinella, a significant pest of rice crops in South America. Research on this species has focused on diapause termination triggered by precipitation and oviposition behavior on rice plants.
pest agricultural rice diapause South-America
Saldidae
Shore bugs
Saldidae is a family of true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) commonly known as shore bugs. Adults are small (2–8 mm), oval-shaped insects associated with shoreline habitats. The family comprises approximately 350 described species in 39 genera and 2 subfamilies (Chiloxanthinae and Saldinae), with highest diversity in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions. Members are predators and scavengers, and many species tolerate submergence during high tides. Winter survival occurs through egg or adult diapause.
shoreline littoral intertidal predator scavenger diapause salt-tolerant Hemiptera true-bugs Leptopodomorpha