Metabolic reserves of diapausing western cherry fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) pupae in relation to chill duration and post-chill rearing conditions

How different macronutrients are utilized at various stages of pupal diapause and the effects winter length on nutrient reserves remain poorly studied for most insects. Western cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis indifferens (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a specialist cherries in higher latitudes or elevations western North America that exhibits obligate requiring chilling before adult development can occur. We determined relationship between metabolic status R . pupae, testing hypotheses lipids primary during long periods warmth deplete these more than cold. Effects 0- to 20-week durations 3°C subsequent exposure 23°C 16:8 L:D (warm rearing conditions) 0 7 weeks lipid, protein, soluble carbohydrates, glycogen pupae were determined. During diapause, lipid source energy by R. , while protein carbohydrates levels stable throughout thus less utilized. At post-diapause, fluctuated most, indicating produce support metabolism fly development. Unchilled did not reserves, unlike chilled likely because unchilled remained diapause. may have evolved utilization strategy typical rigid diapausing insects latitude environments.