Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What are cryptic pests characterized by?

1. Pests that are visible and active at all times

2. Pests that hide during the day

3. Pests that only appear at night

4. Pests that are always found outdoors

The correct answer is: Pests that hide during the day

Cryptic pests are characterized by their behavior of hiding during the day, which allows them to avoid detection and makes them challenging to manage. This behavior is a survival strategy to protect themselves from predators and environmental threats. Many types of cryptic pests, such as certain cockroaches and insects in the reportable pest category, demonstrate these characteristics, making them more difficult to monitor and control since they can infest an area without being easily noticed. The other choices do not align with the defining traits of cryptic pests. Pests that are visible and active at all times would not fit the definition of "cryptic." Similarly, while some pests may be nocturnal and only appear at night, this does not encompass the broader definition of cryptic behavior. Pests that are always found outdoors do not capture the essence of cryptic behavior, as many cryptic pests can often be found indoors in hidden locations where they can evade detection.