[Objectives]  To investigate the respiratory physiology of overwintering eggs of G. sibiricus, an important indicator species in subalpine and forest grasslands in Xinjiang. [Methods]  Respiratory rate, metabolic rate and respiratory quotient were measured with Sable Systems from August to April and embryonic development was observed, and temperature measured, monthly. [Results]  The respiratory metabolism of locust eggs generally tended to increase during overwintering (pre-winter < winter < post-winter). There was no significance between eggs in different months in pre-winter (Aug.-Oct.) and winter (Nov.-Feb.) (P>0.05), but respiration and metabolic rate increased significantly post-winter (Mar.-Apr.) (P<0.05). The average pre-winter, winter, and post-winter, respiratory quotients of locust eggs were 0.66, 0.80 and 1.01, respectively. These values suggest that the main metabolic substrates during these three periods are fat, fat + carbohydrates, and carbohydrates, respectively. Early embryonic development mainly occurred in pre-winter, when the head, thorax, abdomen and appendages differentiated completely. Embryonic development arrested during winter, but resumed rapidly post-winter. [Conclusion] Respiratory metabolism is closely related to the process of embryonic development during overwintering. In order to survive the winter, G. sibiricus eggs adjust their physiological state by constantly regulating their respiratory metabolism and metabolic substrates to adapt to changing external environmental conditions.