Higher temperatures favor dauer larva formation.
Of four daf-2 mutants examined, only e1370 was similar to wild type in its response to pheromone. The response of selected daf-c mutants grown on each of two auxotrophic bacterial strains indicated that both food quality and quantity affect development. A non OP50 strain of bacteria used in the Thomas laboratory increased daf-c dauer formation at 15 degrees approximately three fold in comparison with OP50. Using a combination of this bacteria and media provided by Jim Thomas, we were able to repeat results reported by Thomas et al. A diet of aged bacteria also favors dauer larva formation.