Objective The aim of the study is to determine the biological characteristics of Dioryctria abietella (Denis et Schiffermuller) on Picea likiangensis var. linzhiensis trees in Linzhi area, and provide a scientific basis for the control of this insect.

Method From March 2015 to August 2016, the life history, morphological characteristics and habits of D. abietella were studied by field survey and laboratory observation.

Result The results showed that the generation of D. abietella in Linzhi area occurred one generation a year. The larvae damaged the cone fruit shaft, seed scales and seeds of P. likiangensis var. linzhiensis, and the larvae overwintered in the cones, with the phenomenon diapause and no transfer hazard. The adult emergence started in the middle of June and continued until early August. The adult stage was 5 to 8 days, the egg stage was 9 to14 days, the larval stage was about 10.5 months and the pupal stage was 25~36 days.

Conclusion D. abietella attacked the P. likiangensis var. linzhiensis cones and affected the natural regeneration of P. likiangensis var. linzhiensis forests. In order to reduce the population of D. abietella and the damage to P. likiangensis var. linzhiensis cones, it is suggested that the fallen cones and the malformation cones hanging on the tree should be cleaned and deeply buried in December and January each year.