Circadian clock genes period and cycle regulate photoperiodic diapause in the bean bug Riptortus pedestris males

► The male bean bug exhibits a clear photoperiodic response. ► Silencing of period gene induced reproduction under diapause-inducing conditions. ► Silencing of cycle gene induced diapause under diapause-averting conditions. ► Circadian clock genes are crucial for a photoperiodic response.