Overwintering of codling moth larvae in an abandoned Canterbury apple orchard

Phenology of codling moth larvae entering overwintering sites was studied in an abandoned Canterbury apple orchard. Artificial cocooning sites fixed around the base of trees were replaced at weekly intervals. Larvae sought overwintering sites from early January through until late April. The weight of larvae entering overwintering sites declined as the season progressed. Eighteen percent of the larvae were parasitised by the braconid, Ascogaster quadridentata Wesmad. Mean weights of female, male and parasitised larvae were 73.3, 61.9 and 21.2 mg respectively.