What leaf damage pattern is typical of sap-sucking insects?

What leaf damage pattern is typical of sap-sucking insects?

• A. Holes
• B. Skeletonization
• C. Chewing marks
• D. Stippling

Answer: (D)

Stippling is the damage pattern typical of sap-sucking insects. These pests insert piercing-sucking mouthparts into leaf cells and withdraw sap, causing small areas of cell damage that show up as tiny yellow or pale spots across the leaf. When many spots appear, the leaf takes on a speckled, stippled look. This contrasts with chewing insects, which leave holes where tissue is removed, or with skeletonization, where tissue between veins is eaten, leaving a lacy vein network. So the speckled appearance is the telltale sign of sap-sucking feeding.

Stippling is the damage pattern typical of sap-sucking insects. These pests insert piercing-sucking mouthparts into leaf cells and withdraw sap, causing small areas of cell damage that show up as tiny yellow or pale spots across the leaf. When many spots appear, the leaf takes on a speckled, stippled look. This contrasts with chewing insects, which leave holes where tissue is removed, or with skeletonization, where tissue between veins is eaten, leaving a lacy vein network. So the speckled appearance is the telltale sign of sap-sucking feeding.