The problem of arrested or delayed development was examined in the sugar cane borer,
Diatraea saccharalis. It was found that the insect can either enter diapause or exhibit a period of delayed metamorphosis according to the photoperiod conditions prevailing. We have observed the development characteristics of
D. saccharalis and conclude that a distinction should be made between a delayed metamorphosis phase and a diapause stage.
This work was supported by a grant from NSERC.