Growth and determinism of pupal diapause in a lepidopter Pieris brassicae (L.): a possible role for pigmentary photoreception independent of the daylight rhythm.

Facultative pupal insect diapause is induced by daylight rhythm and temperature furnished for the larval growth. Receptors of these factors are generally considered as larval eyes or brain. This work analyzes the possible role of pterobilin pigment of hemolymph and integument. This pigment seems to act independently and, sometimes with antagonistic actions, on the general physiology.