Which statement best describes the overwintering stage of the dogwood borer?

Which statement best describes the overwintering stage of the dogwood borer?

• A. Larva inside its tunnel
• B. Pupa above ground
• C. Egg on bark
• D. Adult moth clusters on limbs

Answer: (A)

Overwintering is the stage that survives cold months inside the host, protected from the weather. For the dogwood borer, the larva bores into the tree and stays in a silk-lined tunnel in the cambium or inner wood throughout winter. This larval stage remains hidden there, then resumes feeding in spring and eventually pupates to become an adult later in the season. Eggs laid on bark occur during warmer periods and do not persist through winter, and adults are active in warmer months, not overwintering on the tree. Pupation happens after winter, inside or near the tunnel, leading to adult emergence later. So the overwintering stage is the larva inside its tunnel.

Overwintering is the stage that survives cold months inside the host, protected from the weather. For the dogwood borer, the larva bores into the tree and stays in a silk-lined tunnel in the cambium or inner wood throughout winter. This larval stage remains hidden there, then resumes feeding in spring and eventually pupates to become an adult later in the season. Eggs laid on bark occur during warmer periods and do not persist through winter, and adults are active in warmer months, not overwintering on the tree. Pupation happens after winter, inside or near the tunnel, leading to adult emergence later. So the overwintering stage is the larva inside its tunnel.