In cankerworms, which life stage does not possess wings?

In the context of cankerworms, it is accurate that the larvae and adult females do not possess wings. Cankerworms, which belong to the family Geometridae, have a distinctive life cycle.

The larvae, commonly referred to as inchworms, are the immature stage of the cankerworm and lack wings entirely. Their primary role is feeding on foliage during the caterpillar stage.

Adult females are also wingless, which is a characteristic feature of some moth species. This adaptation is particularly interesting, as it leads the females to rely on pheromones to attract males rather than flying to them. In contrast, adult males do develop wings, which they use to search for females.

Consequently, the correct choice includes both the larvae and adult females, as they both lack wings throughout their respective life stages. This understanding of the cankerworm's life cycle is crucial for pest management strategies, as recognizing the life stages affected helps in tailoring approaches to reduce their populations effectively.