Question

Pumpkin Beetle is an example of

• A. Monophagous Pest
• B. Oligophagous Pest
• C. Polyphagous Pest
• D. Arboreal pest

Hint:

Think of it this way: One plant = Mono, One family = Oligo, Many families = Poly. Pumpkin beetle = Cucurbitaceae specialist = Oligo.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Pests are classified based on their host range (the variety of plants they eat).
1. Monophagous: Feed on only one plant species.
2. Oligophagous: Feed on a few closely related plant species (usually within the same family).
3. Polyphagous: Feed on a wide variety of plants from different botanical families.
Detailed Explanation:
The Red Pumpkin Beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis) is a significant pest in Indian agriculture.
It primarily attacks crops belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae.
Its diet includes pumpkin, cucumber, muskmelon, watermelon, bottle gourd, and bitter gourd.
Since it feeds on multiple species but restricts itself to the "Cucurbit" family, it is defined as an oligophagous pest.
It is not polyphagous because it does not attack cereals, legumes, or other non-cucurbit families.
It is not monophagous because it isn't restricted to just "pumpkin."
The adults feed on leaves and flowers, while the grubs (larvae) live in the soil and feed on roots, making them "subterranean" in their early stages rather than purely "arboreal" (tree-dwelling).

Step 2: Final Answer:
The Red Pumpkin Beetle is an oligophagous pest.