CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

The melonworm overwinters in which stage?

1. Larval stage

2. Egg stage

3. Pupal stage

4. Adult stage

The correct answer is: Pupal stage

The melonworm, scientifically known as Diaphania hyalinata, is a pest that commonly affects cucurbit crops. Understanding its life cycle is crucial for effective pest management and control strategies. The correct stage in which the melonworm overwinters is the pupal stage. During the pupal stage, the melonworm undergoes a transformation from its larval form into an adult. This stage provides a protective environment for the developing insect, allowing it to endure unfavorable winter conditions. Pupa typically remain dormant and sheltered, often within the soil or on the host plant, until conditions become favorable for emergence as adults in the spring or early summer. The other life stages, such as the larval, egg, and adult stages, do not provide the same level of resilience against environmental stressors during winter months. Eggs and larvae are generally more vulnerable to cold temperatures and predation, while adults may not survive extended periods of unfavorable weather. Consequently, the pupal stage serves as the crucial overwintering phase for the melonworm, ensuring its continuation in the life cycle and impact on crops when the weather warms up.