Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which type of insects do Chitin Synthesis Inhibitors primarily target?

1. Only adult insects

2. Eggs and larvae

3. Imagos only

4. All stages of insect life

The correct answer is: Eggs and larvae

Chitin Synthesis Inhibitors are primarily designed to disrupt the formation of chitin, which is a key component of the exoskeleton in insects. This disruption is particularly effective against eggs and larvae. During these life stages, the insects are actively growing and needing to molting their exoskeletons. The presence of chitin in their development makes them especially vulnerable to these types of inhibitors, as it directly impacts their ability to grow and mature properly. Focusing on eggs and larvae aligns with how chitin synthesis plays a critical role at these stages. Adult insects have less reliance on chitin synthesis for their existing exoskeletons, making them less susceptible to these inhibitors. The imagos, or adult forms, also generally do not undergo the same significant chitin development processes as the earlier life stages, meaning they are less impacted by chitin synthesis inhibitors. Therefore, targeting eggs and larvae is the most effective strategy with this class of insecticides.