Mississippi Pesticide License Practice Exam

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Question: 1 / 480

What surface do mature scale insects usually cling to on a plant?

Leaf undersides

Flower petals

Plant surface

Mature scale insects typically cling to the plant surface, which encompasses a range of areas including stems, branches, and leaf surfaces. This attachment allows them to feed on the plant's sap through a specialized mouthpart, which is essential for their nourishment. They often become immobile after settling on a host plant, forming a protective covering that further enhances their ability to thrive on the plant surface without being easily disturbed or removed.

While scale insects can be found on leaf undersides as well as flower petals, their primary habitat across various plant types is the broader plant surface. Roots are not a typical location for mature scale insects, as their feeding behavior relies on access to the vascular system of above-ground plant parts to obtain nutrients. By focusing on their placement on the plant surface, one can better understand their biology and the challenges they can pose to plant health.

Mississippi Pesticide License Practice Exam

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