Shortly after mealy bugs start feeding, they create which of the following?

Shortly after mealy bugs start feeding, they create which of the following?

• A. A white waxy material
• B. Honeydew
• C. Silk cocoons
• D. Frass

Answer: (A)

Mealybugs secrete a white waxy coating from glands as they feed, creating a protective, cottony layer that covers their bodies. This waxy material appears soon after feeding begins and is a distinctive feature of mealybugs, helping them blend in and resist desiccation. Honeydew is a sugary excretion produced as they feed and can lead to sooty mold on plants, but it’s a waste product rather than the protective covering. Silk cocoons aren’t produced by mealybugs, and frass is simply insect waste. So the white waxy material is the best description of what they create shortly after they start feeding.

Mealybugs secrete a white waxy coating from glands as they feed, creating a protective, cottony layer that covers their bodies. This waxy material appears soon after feeding begins and is a distinctive feature of mealybugs, helping them blend in and resist desiccation.

Honeydew is a sugary excretion produced as they feed and can lead to sooty mold on plants, but it’s a waste product rather than the protective covering. Silk cocoons aren’t produced by mealybugs, and frass is simply insect waste. So the white waxy material is the best description of what they create shortly after they start feeding.