CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

All of the following are stages of the citrus black fly, except:

1. Adult

2. Egg

3. Pupa

4. Cocoon

The correct answer is: Cocoon

The correct answer is based on understanding the life cycle of the citrus black fly. The mature form of the insect is the adult, which reproduces and lays eggs. After the eggs hatch, the larvae emerge, and then they progress through instars before reaching the pupal stage, where they undergo metamorphosis into adults. The life cycle does not include a cocoon stage, as this is characteristic of other insects, such as moths and butterflies, which undergo a complete metamorphosis involving a pupal case called a chrysalis or cocoon. In contrast, citrus black flies do not form a protective casing around their pupal stage. Instead, they go directly from larvae to pupae without creating a cocoon, making the cocoon an incorrect choice in the context of the citrus black fly’s developmental stages. Understanding the specific life stages of pests is crucial for effective pest management and control strategies, particularly in agriculture where such pests can impact crop health.