Insect Diapause: From Ecological Adaptation to Molecular Regulation

Diapause is one of the most remarkable adaptive strategies evolved by insects to survive predictable periods of environmental adversity. By integrating environmental signals such as photoperiod, temperature, host availability, and resource quality, diapause enables insects to synchronize their life cycles with favourable ecological conditions. Beyond serving as a mechanism of dormancy, diapause profoundly influences insect distribution, seasonal abundance, voltinism, migration, population dynamics, species interactions, and evolutionary fitness. Consequently, diapause has far-reaching ecological consequences that shape both natural and agricultural ecosystems.

Recent advances in insect physiology, endocrinology, molecular biology, and omics technologies have substantially enhanced our understanding of the mechanisms regulating diapause. Research has revealed intricate interactions among neuroendocrine pathways, juvenile hormone, ecdysteroids, insulin signaling, metabolic regulation, and gene expression networks that govern diapause induction, maintenance, and termination. Emerging studies further highlight the roles of transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and epigenetic processes in mediating developmental arrest and environmental adaptation.

By bringing together contributions from leading researchers worldwide, this aims to advance current understanding of insect diapause as a complex adaptive phenomenon and to identify future research directions in this rapidly evolving field. It will serve as a valuable resource for entomologists, ecologists, physiologists, molecular biologists, and agricultural scientists interested in insect adaptation, environmental responses, and sustainable pest management.

Understanding diapause biology has become increasingly important for addressing contemporary agricultural and environmental challenges. These challenges are reflected in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 globally agreed objectives adopted in 2015 to guide efforts towards a more sustainable and equitable future by 2030. Insights into diapause regulation can improve pest forecasting, population dynamics modelling, and the development of sustainable pest management strategies that support SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through enhanced crop protection and food security. Furthermore, reducing reliance on broad-spectrum chemical interventions through ecologically informed management approaches contributes to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), while improved understanding of insect adaptation, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning aligns with SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Despite significant advances in our understanding of insect diapause, knowledge remains fragmented across ecological, physiological, endocrinological, and molecular disciplines. This lack of integration limits our ability to fully understand how insects adapt to changing environments and how diapause influences population dynamics, pest outbreaks, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. Furthermore, climate change is altering environmental cues that regulate diapause, leading to shifts in phenology, geographic distribution, and pest status of many insect species. These challenges underscore the need for a comprehensive synthesis of current knowledge and emerging research. This Research Topic aims to bridge disciplinary gaps by bringing together studies on the ecological significance, physiological regulation, endocrine control, molecular mechanisms, and applied aspects of insect diapause. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and highlighting advances in omics technologies, predictive modelling, and sustainable pest management, this collection seeks to identify future research priorities and develop strategies for improving agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental sustainability.

This Research Topic seeks to advance our understanding of insect diapause as a complex adaptive phenomenon linking ecological adaptation, physiological regulation, endocrine control, and molecular mechanisms. We welcome submissions addressing:


• Ecology and evolution of insect diapause

• Environmental cues regulating diapause

• Physiological and metabolic aspects of diapause

• Endocrine control of diapause

• Molecular and genetic mechanisms of diapause

• Omics approaches in diapause research

• Diapause and life-history evolution

• Ecological consequences of diapause

• Climate change and diapause dynamics

• Diapause in pests, pollinators, and beneficial insects

• Diapause-based pest management strategies

• Comparative and cross-taxa studies of diapause

• Emerging tools and modelling approaches in diapause research

We welcome original research articles, reviews, meta-analyses, and methodological advances that enhance our understanding of the ecological, physiological, endocrine, and molecular mechanisms of insect diapause, as well as their implications for biodiversity conservation, climate-change adaptation, and sustainable pest management.