Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

What characteristic is typical of armored scales?

1. They have wings in their adult stage

2. They only feed on roots

3. They are often covered with a protective shell

4. They can fly long distances

The correct answer is: They are often covered with a protective shell

Armored scales are notable for their protective outer covering, which resembles a shell. This characteristic is essential for their survival, as it helps to shield them from environmental factors, predation, and pesticide applications. The shell is made from secreted wax and serves to protect the insect's body while it feeds on the sap of plants. This ability to remain protected while still feeding makes them particularly challenging to manage in ornamental and turf applications. The other options do not accurately describe armored scales. Adult armored scales do not have wings, as they are not capable of flight. Their feeding is primarily done on plant tissues above ground rather than roots, and they lack the ability to fly long distances since they are mostly sedentary in their adult life stage.