Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which category of beetle produces frass that feels very fine and loosely packed?

1. Old House Borer

2. Bostrichid

3. Anobiid

4. Lyctid

The correct answer is: Lyctid

The category of beetle that produces frass which feels very fine and loosely packed is the Lyctid beetle. The frass, or the excrement produced by the larvae of these wood-boring beetles, is characteristic of their feeding habits on hardwoods. Lyctid beetles specifically target hardwood trees and their larvae create small, very fine frass as they tunnel through the wood. This frass is typically described as powdery and light, which distinguishes it from the frass produced by larvae of other beetle families. In contrast, other types of wood-boring beetles like the Anobiid or Bostrichid may produce coarser or differently textured frass, reflecting the different types of wood they infest and the structure of their larvae. Understanding the characteristics of frass left by different insect species can be vital for pest control and identification processes, particularly in terms of selecting the right methods for treatment based on the specific pest involved. Thus, recognizing Lyctid beetles by their fine, loosely packed frass helps in identifying an infestation and determining the appropriate response actions.