Regulation of Diapause

Many insect species enter diapause to ensure survival under unfavorable environmental conditions. Recent molecular biology approaches have revealed details of the molecular mechanisms of diapause processes. The initiation and termination of diapause are mediated by ecdysteroids, juvenile hormone (JH), and diapause hormone (DH). Various factors, including neuropeptides involved in the secretion of these hormones in upstream and downstream pathways, have been identified. These findings indicate that diapause involves hierarchical signaling pathways. This chapter provides an overview of the hormones and neuropeptides involved in diapause at each developmental stage, including the egg (embryo), larva, pupa, and adult.