Certified Arborist Practice Exam

Among the listed insects, which one has piercing and sucking mouthparts?

1. Black Vine Weevil

2. Adelgid

3. Japanese Beetle

4. Russian Wheat Aphid

The correct answer is: Adelgid

The Adelgid is indeed the correct choice when identifying an insect with piercing and sucking mouthparts. This classification is due to the way Adelgids feed on their plant hosts. They possess specialized mouthparts that allow them to pierce plant tissues and extract sap, which is a characteristic of many sap-sucking pests. This feeding method can weaken the plant and lead to significant damage, making Adelgids important pests in various ecosystems. Other insects listed have different mouthpart structures suited to their specific feeding habits. For instance, the Black Vine Weevil has chewing mouthparts designed for biting and consuming plant material rather than sucking sap. Similarly, the Japanese Beetle also has chewing mouthparts and feeds on foliage and flowers. The Russian Wheat Aphid, while it does have piercing and sucking mouthparts, is less common in general discussions compared to Adelgids in the context of ornamental or landscape plants. Therefore, the Adelgid stands out as a representative of this type of feeding strategy.