CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

In which stage does the Comstock mealybug overwinter?

1. pupa

2. larva

3. adult

4. egg

The correct answer is: egg

The Comstock mealybug overwinters in the egg stage. This is an important point in pest management because understanding the overwintering stage helps in planning effective control strategies. The eggs are laid in protected locations, often beneath the female mealybug's body or in crevices on the host plant, which provides them with some insulation from cold weather conditions. During winter, while other life stages such as larvae or adult mealybugs may be more vulnerable to environmental stressors, the eggs remain dormant and are thus resilient to harsh conditions. When temperatures rise in the spring, the eggs hatch and the newly emerged larvae begin to feed on the plant. This knowledge is crucial for growers and pest control professionals, as timing interventions and monitoring for potential outbreaks becomes easier when one knows exactly when and how the pest is overwintering.