Photoperiodically induced retardation in nymphal growth of 11 species of terrestrial true bugs (Pentatomidae, Pyrrhocoridae, Coreidae and Alydidae) is considered as quantitative photoperiodic responses and analysed in detail based on original and previosly published experimental data. Larvae of eight species were characterized by a delay in growth under long day conditions. This delay amounted to 10-20% in Arma custos, Graphosoma lineatum, Eurydema oleracea, Eysarcoris lewisi, Coreus marginatus, 30-40% in Palomena prasina, 50-60% in Palomena angulosa, Pyrrhocoris apterus compared to the duration of preimaginal development under short day conditions. In Carbula humerigera, Nezara viridula, Dofycoris baccarum this effect was registered in short days. Photoperiodic conditions do not regulate the nymphal growth in Picromerus bidens, Alydus calcaratus, Riptotus clavatus and Podisus maculiventris. Various aspects of the phenomenon are analysed. An ecological significance of the photoperiodic response in regulating the life cycle of uni-and polyvoltine bug species is discussed.