CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

In which stages does the cereal leaf beetle do damage?

1. Adult stage only

2. Larva stage only

3. Both larva and adult stages

4. Only when mating

The correct answer is: Both larva and adult stages

The cereal leaf beetle causes damage during both its larval and adult stages. In the larva stage, they are particularly destructive as they feed on the leaves of cereal crops, creating noticeable feeding scars and reducing the plant's ability to photosynthesize effectively. This can significantly impact crop yields. In the adult stage, the beetles continue to feed on the leaf tissue, contributing further to the damage. They typically create more extensive damage than the larvae due to their size and feeding habits. This dual stage damage potential is crucial for effective pest management strategies, as both life forms need to be targeted to minimize the beetle's impact on crops. Therefore, recognizing that both stages are harmful is essential for understanding the pest's life cycle and implementing adequate control measures.