CDFA Pest Prevention Plant Regulation Practice Exam

What is one way in which beetles can be differentiated based on their flight capability?

1. adult Japanese Beetles are strong fliers

2. white-fringed beetles are wingless

3. larval stages are strong fliers

4. all beetles have strong flight ability

The correct answer is: white-fringed beetles are wingless

Beetles can be differentiated based on their flight capability by observing the presence or absence of wings in certain species. The option regarding white-fringed beetles being wingless illustrates this point clearly. White-fringed beetles (particularly those in the genus Naupactus) do not have functional wings and thus cannot fly, which is a distinct characteristic when comparing them to many other beetle species. This feature is significant because it helps in identifying these beetles during pest assessments; recognizing that certain species are flightless can influence pest management strategies. Since not all beetles possess wings or are adept at flying, this differentiation is essential in understanding their behavior and movement patterns in their environments. Other beetles, such as adult Japanese beetles, do have strong flight capabilities, which allows them to travel significant distances. However, this is not applicable to the white-fringed beetles, marking the absence of wings as a noteworthy distinguishing feature.