CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

The apple-blueberry maggot is most likely to be intercepted in which stage?

1. All stages

2. Adult stage

3. Pupal stage

4. Larval stage

The correct answer is: Larval stage

The apple-blueberry maggot is most likely to be intercepted in the larval stage. This is due to the lifecycle of the pest, where the larvae infest the apples and blueberries, feeding within the fruit itself. It is at this stage that they are most vulnerable to being intercepted during inspections, as the larvae are actively feeding and can be present in the fruit being transported. During the larval stage, the pest is typically not only present but also causes visible damage, which increases the chances of detection during inspection processes. Inspectors look for signs of infestations, including the presence of larvae inside the fruit, and this makes the larval stage the most likely stage to be intercepted. The other stages, such as the adult and pupal stages, have different characteristics and may not be as easily detected. Adults can fly and may not be found in the inspected produce, while pupae are often formed in the soil or other protected areas, which makes them less likely to be encountered during fruit inspections.