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Insect mites are parasitic of________

a) flea larvae
b) plaster bagworm larvae
c) chinch bug larvae
d) grain moth larvae

User Ghominejad
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Final answer:

The correct option is c. Insect mites are often used in biological control to manage pest populations, most notably by targeting the larvae of certain insects. A common example is the relationship between parasitic wasps and caterpillars, where the wasp larvae feed on the caterpillar host. Given the context provided, the correct answer would be d) grain moth larvae.

Step-by-step explanation:

Insect mites can be parasitic on various hosts, including insects. When it comes to the relationship between the parasites and their hosts, it's essential to understand that parasitoids, such as certain wasps and fungi, play a significant role in controlling insect populations. For instance, female parasitoid wasps lay their eggs inside the bodies of caterpillars, which later die when the eggs hatch.

The provided information suggests a relationship between parasitic organisms and insects, with examples such as parasitic fungi like Cordyceps and Entomophaga maimaiga. Moreover, the summary of parasitic interactions between insects and seeds also indicates that mites would not typically be associated with flea larvae, plaster bagworm larvae, or chinch bug larvae but may be associated with grain moth larvae due to the involvement in agricultural pest control and the reference to the granary weevil, an eater of seeds.

User Mooseman
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