The codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), is a notorious invasive fruit pest of apple, pear and other pome fruits. Eradication of this invasive pest is difficult, due to its extensive host range, high habitat suitability and larval feeding inside fruits. The mature larva leaves damaged fruit for shelter where pupation or diapause happens. The diapausing larva can survive under adverse natural conditions and diapause is also the most important survival strategy for the population. The present review summarizes the factors of inducing and terminating diapause, the selection of diapause sites, aggregation behavior, environmental adaptability and physiological and biochemical characteristics of diapausing larvae. Research on diapause propensity in C. pomonella can provide a reference basis for prediction and control of the pest.