Which life stage of the almond moth causes damage?

• A. Egg
• B. Pupa
• C. Adult
• D. Larva

Answer: (D)

In this pest, the stage that actually causes damage is the feeding stage. The almond moth’s larvae are the worm-like caterpillars that bore into nuts and kernels, feeding and contaminating the product with frass and webbing. That feeding activity is what reduces quality and quantity and leads to loss.

Eggs are simply the eggs that will hatch into larvae; they don’t cause damage themselves. Pupae are a resting, non-feeding stage inside a silk cocoon, preparing to become adults. Adults are mostly focused on reproduction and dispersal and generally don’t cause direct damage to the nuts. So the larva is the life stage responsible for the damage.