Genetic variability in the diapause response of the burnet moth Zygaena trifolii (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae)

A high degree of phenotypic variability was observed in the diapause response of the burnet moth Zygaena trifolii. In this study, we show that the observed variability is partly based on genetic differences between individuals. In a selection experiment, the larval instar at which diapause occurs was changed within six generations. Diapause instars were dependent on the time of pre-diapause development of larvae, which varied considerably between larvae. A heritability analysis indicates that a part of the variability in development time is based on additive genetic variance. The maintenance of genetic variability in the development time and the diapause response of Z. trifolii is discussed in the context of spatially and temporally changing selection pressures.