PHYSIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF DORMANCIES IN INSECTS

Abstract

A new classification of dormancy in insects is proposed on the basis of the evolutionary nature of dormancy, its synchronization with the aetiology of the species for their phenological advantage, the nature of ecological adversity, and the consequent physiological and biochemical adjustments. The roles of the above factors in the induction and termination of dormancies are discussed. The inadequacies of all the previous systems of describing various conditions of dormancy are pointed out.All instances of dormancy are divided into three major groups: hibernation, aestivation, and athermopause. Each of these classes is further subdivided into three categories representing a sequence of evolutionary adaptations: quiescence, oligopause, and diapause, in that order of evolutionary development. Depending upon the physiological condition of diapausing individuals or populations, two diapause states are recognized: teleodiapause and ateleodiapause. Each term is defined and discussed with examples.