What stage is damaging for the Angoumois grain moth in plant and animal products?

What stage is damaging for the Angoumois grain moth in plant and animal products?

• A. Eggs
• B. Larvae
• C. Pupae
• D. Adults

Answer: (B)

The larvae stage of the Angoumois grain moth is particularly damaging because they are the stage that actively feeds and causes significant damage to stored grains and other plant products. During this larval phase, the insects burrow into the grain, consuming the interior while leaving the outer shell intact. This feeding behavior not only reduces the quality and quantity of the grain but can also lead to mold growth and spoilage, creating further losses for producers. In contrast, while eggs and adults are part of the life cycle, they do not cause the same level of damage as the larvae. Eggs only pose a potential threat since they have yet to hatch into feeding larvae. Pupae are in a transitional stage where they are not feeding at all, thus posing no immediate risk to the products. Hence, it's during the larval stage where the most significant harm is inflicted on stored foodstuffs.

The larvae stage of the Angoumois grain moth is particularly damaging because they are the stage that actively feeds and causes significant damage to stored grains and other plant products. During this larval phase, the insects burrow into the grain, consuming the interior while leaving the outer shell intact. This feeding behavior not only reduces the quality and quantity of the grain but can also lead to mold growth and spoilage, creating further losses for producers.

In contrast, while eggs and adults are part of the life cycle, they do not cause the same level of damage as the larvae. Eggs only pose a potential threat since they have yet to hatch into feeding larvae. Pupae are in a transitional stage where they are not feeding at all, thus posing no immediate risk to the products. Hence, it's during the larval stage where the most significant harm is inflicted on stored foodstuffs.