AbstractChortoicetes terminifera can detect absolute differences of both temperature and photo‐period, as well as the directional change of these parameters. Insects subjected to long‐day conditions, or to an increase in photo‐period during development lay long straight pods, whereas those subjected to short days or to a decrease in photoperiod during development lay short pods, which are usually curved and/or laid obliquely. Temperature does not affect oviposition behaviour at long photoperiod, but at medium and short photoperiod, high temperature or an increase in temperature promotes the production of long pods, whereas low temperature or a decrease in temperature stimulates the production of short pods. When temperature and photoperiod change in opposite directions, the effects of photoperiod override those of temperature. The significance of these findings is discussed in relation to egg development and sur