Ornamental and Turf Pesticide Applicators Practice Exam

What is a characteristic of mole crickets in terms of their life cycle?

1. They have multiple generations per year

2. They can survive in colder climates

3. They have only one generation per year

4. They reproduce multiple times throughout a season

The correct answer is: They have only one generation per year

Mole crickets are known for having a life cycle that typically features one generation per year. This characteristic is significant because it affects how populations are managed and controlled, particularly in turf and ornamental situations. Understanding that they reproduce once a year helps pest control specialists to time their interventions and pesticide applications more effectively. In contrast, having multiple generations per year (which is a characteristic of some other pests) would require a different management strategy. The ability to survive in colder climates is also not typical for mole crickets, as they generally thrive in warmer environments and their populations may decline in colder conditions. Lastly, while some organisms may reproduce several times within a season, mole crickets typically focus their reproductive efforts within their single annual cycle. Thus, recognizing the specific reproductive patterns of mole crickets is crucial for effective pest management.