Question

Which of the following order of insects is known to cause greater damage to agricultural crops?

• A. Hemiptera
• B. Orthoptera
• C. Coleoptera
• D. Isoptera

Hint:

Coleoptera = Beetles and weevils (largest insect order).
Cause significant damage to stored grains, fruits, and field crops.
Important families: Curculionidae (weevils), Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles), Scarabaeidae (scarab beetles).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of insect orders and their economic importance in agriculture.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Coleoptera (beetles and weevils) is the largest order of insects and causes the greatest damage to agricultural crops.
They have chewing mouthparts and feed on various plant parts.
Important agricultural pests in Coleoptera:
- Weevils (rice weevil, cotton boll weevil)
- Beetles (Colorado potato beetle, Japanese beetle)
- Borers (stem borers)
- Leaf beetles (Diabrotica)
Other orders:
- Hemiptera (A): True bugs (plant bugs, aphids, whiteflies) - piercing-sucking pests.
- Orthoptera (B): Grasshoppers, locusts, crickets - chewing pests but less diverse.
- Isoptera (D): Termites - wood pests, not major field crop pests.
Thus, Coleoptera causes the greatest damage to agricultural crops.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, the order Coleoptera causes greater damage to agricultural crops.
[0.5cm]