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At which life stages can insects enter diapause?

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The image shows a group of Virginia big-eared bats sleeping upside down in a dark cavern. — Dormancy Virginia big-eared bats (*Corynorhinus townsendii virginianushibernating*) are true hibernators, entering a state close to death for much of the winter.

Insects can enter diapause during any stage of their life cycle, including the egg, nymph, larva, pupa, or adult (imago) stages.1

While this state of suspended development may occur at any point, it is most commonly observed in the pupa stage, such as in the cocoons of many moths. The specific manifestation of diapause varies by life stage:23
* Immature stages: Diapause is characterized by a cessation of growth and development.1
* Adult stage: It is typically marked by a cessation of reproduction and sexual activity, often referred to as imaginal diapause.41

The onset of this state is a genetically determined response to environmental cues—such as changes in temperature, photoperiod, or food availability—that trigger a reduction in metabolic activity and the suppression of growth and molting hormones.241