Question

Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata is a biocontrol agent of:

• A. Prickly pear
• B. Water fern
• C. Siam weed
• D. Crofton weed

Hint:

Know specific biocontrol agents and their target invasive species for ecological management.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata is actually a biocontrol moth used for controlling the invasive Water fern (Salvinia molesta).
Other biocontrol agents include:
Cactoblastis cactorum for Prickly pear
Chromolaena odorata (Siam weed) controlled by other insects like Carmenta mimosa

Answer 2

Alternate approach - match each biocontrol agent to its target weed by elimination:
Prickly pear (Opuntia) is classically controlled using Cactoblastis cactorum and cochineal insects (Dactylopius), not Pareuchaetes.
Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) has its own dedicated biocontrol agents used in different regional programmes.
Crofton weed (Ageratina adenophora) is targeted by agents such as Procecidochares utilis, a separate gall fly.
Once these three weed-agent pairings are ruled out, Water fern remains as the target associated with Pareuchaetes pseudoinsulata in this question.