Where does the Douglas fir seed chalcid overwinter?

Where does the Douglas fir seed chalcid overwinter?

• A. Inside the seed coat as grubs
• B. On the bark of trees
• C. In soil as pupae
• D. In leaf litter

Answer: (A)

Douglas-fir seed chalcid overwinters as larvae inside the seed coat. Eggs are laid in developing seeds within cones, and the larvae feed on seed tissue while remaining protected inside the seed through winter. The seed provides both food and shelter, so the larval stage stays inside the seed until conditions become favorable for pupation and eventual adult emergence. This seed-based life cycle is why overwintering on bark, in soil, or in leaf litter isn’t correct—the insect’s winter habitat is the seed itself.

Douglas-fir seed chalcid overwinters as larvae inside the seed coat. Eggs are laid in developing seeds within cones, and the larvae feed on seed tissue while remaining protected inside the seed through winter. The seed provides both food and shelter, so the larval stage stays inside the seed until conditions become favorable for pupation and eventual adult emergence. This seed-based life cycle is why overwintering on bark, in soil, or in leaf litter isn’t correct—the insect’s winter habitat is the seed itself.