Introductory Entomology MCQs

1. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of insects in the order Coleoptera (beetles)?
(A) Two pairs of wings with membranous structure
(B) One pair of wings and one pair of halteres
(C) Elytra that cover the wings
(D) Chewing mouthparts with a soft exoskeleton

2. What is the term for the protective covering of an insect’s body, which also aids in preventing water loss?
(A) Cuticle
(B) Exoskeleton
(C) Spiracles
(D) Malpighian tubules

3. Insects in the order Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) undergo which type of metamorphosis?
(A) Incomplete metamorphosis
(B) Complete metamorphosis
(C) Ametabolous development
(D) Hypermetamorphosis

4. Which of the following structures is primarily involved in the process of respiration in insects?
(A) Circulatory system
(B) Spiracles and tracheae
(C) Malpighian tubules
(D) Hemocoel

5. Which of the following orders of insects typically shows a social organization with complex communication and division of labor?
(A) Coleoptera
(B) Hymenoptera
(C) Lepidoptera
(D) Odonata

6. In the context of insect physiology, what is the primary function of the Malpighian tubules?
(A) Gas exchange
(B) Digestion of food
(C) Excretion of nitrogenous waste
(D) Blood circulation

7. Which of the following terms describes the process in which an insect changes from a larva to a pupa?
(A) Ecdysis
(B) Metamorphosis
(C) Ametabolous development
(D) Nymphosis

8. What is the role of the insect’s forewings in the order Diptera (flies)?
(A) They function as halteres for balance
(B) They are used for flight and aerodynamics
(C) They serve as protective covers for the hindwings
(D) They function as sensory organs

9. Which of the following is the primary function of the insect’s hemolymph?
(A) Transporting oxygen
(B) Carrying out photosynthesis
(C) Transporting nutrients and hormones
(D) Excreting nitrogenous waste

10. Which of the following is an example of an insect that exhibits ametabolous development?
(A) Dragonfly
(B) Grasshopper
(C) Termite
(D) Silverfish

11. Which of the following insect orders is characterized by having a prominent proboscis for piercing and sucking plant fluids?
(A) Lepidoptera
(B) Hemiptera
(C) Coleoptera
(D) Orthoptera

12. What is the role of the insect’s compound eyes?
(A) To detect heat and infrared light
(B) To provide detailed color vision
(C) To detect movement and polarization of light
(D) To provide sharp visual images

13. Which of the following is NOT a method by which insects can protect themselves from predators?
(A) Camouflage
(B) Toxic chemicals or venom
(C) Fleeing to another habitat
(D) Mimicry

14. What is the main purpose of the cuticular wax in insects?
(A) To aid in locomotion
(B) To provide flexibility to the exoskeleton
(C) To prevent water loss and desiccation
(D) To attract mates

15. Which of the following structures is primarily involved in the chemical communication between insects, such as in mating?
(A) Antennae
(B) Ovipositor
(C) Compound eyes
(D) Spiracles