Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which insect is least likely to exhibit high reproductive potential and short generation time?

1. House fly

2. Cockroach

3. Bed bug

4. Termite

The correct answer is: Termite

The termite is the least likely to exhibit high reproductive potential and short generation time compared to the other insects listed. While termites are social insects known for their complex colony structures and reproductive behaviors, their overall reproductive rate is generally lower than that of species like house flies, cockroaches, and bed bugs. House flies, for example, can produce hundreds of offspring in a short period, with a typical lifespan of only a few weeks, leading to rapid population growth. Cockroaches also have a relatively short generation time and can reproduce quickly, with some species capable of producing scores of offspring at once. Bed bugs, while somewhat slower in reproduction than flies or cockroaches, still have a short generation time and can reproduce effectively. In contrast, termites have a more prolonged lifecycle and a unique social structure where the queen produces eggs at a slower rate to ensure the balance of the entire colony. While there are certainly large numbers of termites in mature colonies, their reproductive strategy is qualitative rather than quantitative, aimed at sustaining long-term populations rather than producing immediate large numbers of offspring. This makes them the insect least likely to exhibit high reproductive potential in short timeframes.