CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

In which stage does the Colorado potato beetle overwinter?

1. Egg stage

2. Pupal stage

3. Larval stage

4. Adult stage

The correct answer is: Adult stage

The Colorado potato beetle overwinters in the adult stage. During the winter months, these adults seek shelter in the soil or debris to avoid harsh weather conditions. This strategy allows them to survive until conditions become favorable for emergence in spring. Upon emergence, they are ready to breed and continue their life cycle, which involves laying eggs on host plants like potatoes. The selection of adults for overwintering is significant because it highlights the beetle’s ability to establish populations quickly in growing seasons, leading to potential agricultural challenges. The egg, pupal, and larval stages do not have the same capacity for survival during the winter months and are therefore not viable for overwintering.