CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

In which stage is the European corn borer most likely to be introduced?

1. Adult Stage

2. Egg Stage

3. Larval Stage

4. Pupal Stage

The correct answer is: Larval Stage

The European corn borer is most likely to be introduced during the larval stage. This is because, as larvae, these pests are actively feeding on their host plants, primarily corn. The damage they cause at this stage is significant, as they burrow into the plant, leading to reduced crop yields and increased vulnerability to disease. When considering the other stages, adult moths are capable of flying and dispersing to various areas, but they are less likely to be inadvertently transported as they do not feed on plants in their adult stage. The egg stage tends to be less recognizable; while they can be transported with infested plant material, they are often overlooked compared to the more visible plant damage caused by larvae. The pupal stage is usually more contained and allows for transformation into adults, making it less likely for agricultural products or materials to carry them undetected. Therefore, the larval stage presents the highest risk for introduction through plant material, as this is when they are most active and associated with the chewing and damage of crops.