Which insects are less destructive, adult billbugs or larvae?

The correct answer highlights that adult billbugs are generally less destructive than their larvae. Adult billbugs primarily feed on the foliage of plants and grasses, causing relatively minor damage. In contrast, the larvae, which are in the immature stage, tend to be more detrimental as they feed on the roots of plants, leading to significant damage and potentially resulting in plant death.

Understanding the life cycle of billbugs is critical in pest management. While adults can affect the appearance and overall health of a plant, the larvae pose a more serious threat due to their feeding habits below the soil surface, where damage is often less visible but can be more severe.

This distinction between the life stages helps in making informed decisions about pest control strategies, emphasizing the need to focus efforts on managing larval populations to protect plant health effectively.