Georgia Pest Control Practice Test

What unique feature do Lyctid powder post beetles display?

1. Make large exit holes

2. Lay eggs in hard wood

3. Complete their life cycle in 6 months or longer

4. Make small exit holes

The correct answer is: Make small exit holes

Lyctid powder post beetles are distinguished by the small exit holes they create as they emerge from the wood where they have been feeding. These exit holes are typically around 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter, which is much smaller than the exit holes made by other types of wood-boring insects, such as those in the larger beetle families. This characteristic is significant in identifying the presence of Lyctid beetles and assessing potential damage or the need for pest control measures. In contrast, other choices involve aspects that are not unique to Lyctid beetles. For instance, while they do lay eggs in hardwood, this feature is not uniquely indicative of their species, as many other wood-boring insects also utilize hardwood for laying their eggs. Regarding the life cycle duration, Lyctid beetles typically take longer than six months to complete their development, but this is a common characteristic of various pest species, making it less specific to them. Lastly, making large exit holes does not align with the behavior of Lyctid powder post beetles, as their distinct small holes are a defining trait.