Which of these insects excretes honeydew?

Which of these insects excretes honeydew?

• A. Aphids
• B. Beetles
• C. Caterpillars
• D. Moths

Answer: (A)

Honeydew is the sugary waste produced by sap-sucking insects as they feed on the plant’s phloem. Aphids are classic honeydew producers because they extract sap and excrete the excess sugar as this sticky fluid. You’ll often see honeydew coating leaves and stems, and ants may farm it while sooty mold can grow on the surface. The other insects listed—beetles, caterpillars, and moths—feed by chewing and don’t produce honeydew in the same way; their waste is typically coarse frass rather than a sweet excretion. So aphids are the ones that excrete honeydew.

Honeydew is the sugary waste produced by sap-sucking insects as they feed on the plant’s phloem. Aphids are classic honeydew producers because they extract sap and excrete the excess sugar as this sticky fluid. You’ll often see honeydew coating leaves and stems, and ants may farm it while sooty mold can grow on the surface. The other insects listed—beetles, caterpillars, and moths—feed by chewing and don’t produce honeydew in the same way; their waste is typically coarse frass rather than a sweet excretion. So aphids are the ones that excrete honeydew.