Diapause in the predator Geocoris punctipes in south Georgia (USA) was induced when nymphs were exposed to shortening day lengths in the field from mid-August until mid-September. Prior to this interval, diapause did not occur, and subsequent to this interval the bugs did not have sufficient time to reach the adult stage (which is the overwintering stage) prior to the onset of inimical winter conditions. Diapause terminated spontaneously shortly after 1 January, but low outdoor temperatures prevented oviposition until later in the spring.
Species 1: Heteroptera Lygaeidae Geocoris punctipes (big-eyed bug)
Keywords: overwintering, seasonality
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