Integrative mechanisms of photoperiod and temperature regulation in insect diapause

Abstract

Insect dormancy (diapause) is a state of developmental arrest triggered by environmental signals and serves as a vital survival strategy for insects facing harsh seasonal conditions. This article provides a comprehensive review of how photoperiod and temperature regulation of insect dormancy works, covering molecular signaling pathways (such as circadian clock genes, hormone regulation, and the insulin–FoxO pathway), epigenetic mechanisms (like DNA methylation and histone modification), physiological changes (including metabolism inhibition and buildup of cold-hardiness substances), and ecological adaptation strategies. Research indicates that insects sense shifts in photoperiod and temperature to activate intricate endocrine and gene regulatory networks, enabling the precise initiation or termination of dormancy. Although considerable progress has been made recently in understanding the molecular basis of dormancy, challenges remain, including significant variation among species, complex regulatory networks, and unclear mechanisms of climate response. Future research should integrate multi-omics approaches, conduct cross-species comparisons, and develop ecological models to deepen theoretical understanding of dormancy, thereby supporting green agricultural pest management and biodiversity conservation.