Which insects are characterized as piercing-sucking insects?

Piercing-sucking insects are defined by their feeding behavior, which involves using specialized mouthparts to pierce plant tissues and extract sap. This type of feeding can cause significant damage to host plants, leading to issues such as wilting, leaf drop, and reduced vigor.

The correct answer includes whiteflies, mealybugs, and lace bugs, all of which belong to various groups of piercing-sucking pests.

Whiteflies possess needle-like mouthparts that allow them to tap into the phloem of plants, extracting plant sap. This not only harms the plant directly but can also lead to the spread of viral diseases. Mealybugs also use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on sap, often appearing as white cotton-like masses on plants. Lace bugs, though they have a different appearance, are similarly equipped to feed on the sap of leaves, causing stippling and yellowing.

Understanding the characteristics and impact of these pests is crucial for effective management in ornamental and turf settings, as they can create both aesthetic and health concerns for plants.