Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What is a key characteristic of pheromone traps?

1. They use visual cues to attract insects

2. They depend on insect-produced hormones for attraction

3. They require electricity to function

4. They are used only for rodents

The correct answer is: They depend on insect-produced hormones for attraction

A key characteristic of pheromone traps is that they depend on insect-produced hormones for attraction. Pheromones are chemical signals released by insects that trigger specific behaviors in members of the same species. These traps utilize synthetic or naturally occurring pheromones to lure insects, facilitating their capture for monitoring or control purposes. This mechanism is particularly effective because it targets specific species, allowing for more precise pest management. Other methods, such as those involving visual cues or electricity, do not align with the fundamental principle of pheromone traps, which is the use of chemical signals rather than visual or electronic factors. Similarly, the use of pheromone traps is not limited to rodents, as they are predominantly utilized for various insect species in pest management efforts.