Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, Vol s3-99, 73-88, Copyright © 1958 by Company of Biologists

Activity of the Brain/Corpora Cardiaca System during Pupal Diapause ‘Break’ in Mimas tiliae (Lepidoptera)

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Sheffield

Pupal diapause in Mimas tiliae can be terminated by keeping the pupa for at least 4 weeks at 3° C. The adult emerges about 15 days after transfer to 25° C.

Histological examination shows that the neurosecretory cells in the brain are inactive in the diapausing pupa, but they elaborate intracellular material during the first 3 weeks at 3° C. The material is passed to the corpora cardiaca. The neurosecretory cells are again inactive by the end of the low-temperature period.

The brain/cardiaca system shows little sign of secretory activity during the subsequent period at 25° C. The corpora cardiaca undergo phagocytosis and reorganization during this time. This suggests that conditions for further development are established by the end of the low-temperature period. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that development of the non-endocrine organs begins immediately the pupa is transferred to 25° C after 4 weeks at 3° C.

Extirpation and implantation experiments involving the brain, with and without its associated corpora cardiaca, support the histological results, indicating that the brain is necessary for diapause development at 3° C and that the corpora cardiaca are involved in the release of the brain factor.