CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

In which stage does the cherry fruit fly overwinter?

1. Egg stage

2. Larval stage

3. Pupal stage

4. Adult stage

The correct answer is: Pupal stage

The cherry fruit fly, *Rhagoletis cerasi*, overwinters in the pupal stage, which is why the correct answer is C. During this stage, the larvae have completed their development within the fruit and have fallen to the ground. They then pupate in the soil, which offers protection from the harsh winter conditions. Understanding the life cycle of the cherry fruit fly is crucial for pest management strategies. By knowing that the pupal stage is where they overwinter, pest control measures can be timed more effectively to target this stage before the flies emerge as adults in the spring. This knowledge helps in planning and implementing pest control practices to minimize fruit damage in subsequent growing seasons. In contrast, overwintering at the egg or larval stages is not typical for this species, as the eggs need specific host conditions to develop, and larvae are usually inside the fruit during summer and fall. Additionally, while adult flies can survive in some conditions, they primarily focus on reproduction rather than overwintering, making the pupal stage the most viable option for winter survival.