Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which of the following pests would Bacillus thuringiensis be effective against?

1. Caterpillars and beetles

2. Flies, moths, and mosquitoes

3. Termites and ants

4. Ticks and mites

The correct answer is: Flies, moths, and mosquitoes

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a naturally occurring bacterium that serves as a biological pest control agent. It produces toxins that specifically target the larvae of certain insects. The effectiveness of Bt is primarily recognized for its action against caterpillars, which are moth larvae, as well as other related flying insects during their larval stage, such as mosquitoes. While Bt is not primarily known for targeting beetles, it is recognized for its impact on moths and mosquitoes during their larval development. The way Bt functions is by being ingested by these larvae; upon ingestion, the bacterium's toxins disrupt their digestive system, ultimately leading to their death. Thus, Bt is widely used in agricultural settings and biological pest management strategies specifically targeting not only moths but also flies and mosquitoes, making it effective against the pest types noted in option B.