Pine tip moth overwinter in which life stage?

Pine tip moth overwinter in which life stage?

• A. Egg
• B. Larva
• C. Pupa
• D. Adult

Answer: (C)

Overwintering relies on a dormant, protected stage to survive cold conditions. Pine tip moth uses the pupal stage for this, hiding in sheltered spots such as under bark scales or inside shoot tips after the larvae finish feeding. In this resting form, development is paused until spring temperatures rise, at which point adults emerge to mate and lay new eggs. Eggs or active larvae are more exposed to cold and desiccation, and adults would have to endure winter activity, so the pupal stage offers the most reliable protection through winter and a timely restart to the life cycle in spring.

Overwintering relies on a dormant, protected stage to survive cold conditions. Pine tip moth uses the pupal stage for this, hiding in sheltered spots such as under bark scales or inside shoot tips after the larvae finish feeding. In this resting form, development is paused until spring temperatures rise, at which point adults emerge to mate and lay new eggs. Eggs or active larvae are more exposed to cold and desiccation, and adults would have to endure winter activity, so the pupal stage offers the most reliable protection through winter and a timely restart to the life cycle in spring.