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The process by which an insect sheds its exoskeleton to grow. Understanding molting is important for timing control measures in agricultural pest management.

The set of behaviors through which insects seek and exploit food resources. Foraging behavior is important for managing pollinators and controlling pests in agricultural systems.

An interaction between two species where both partners benefit. In entomology, mutualistic relationships, like those between ants and aphids, can affect pest populations and therefore agriculture.

The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides, in an organism. In entomology, this can occur through the food chain and affect non-target organisms, including beneficial insects.

The highest level of social organization, characterized by cooperative brood care, overlapping adult generations, and division of labor into reproductive and non-reproductive groups. Eusociality is observed in insects like bees, ants, and termites, affecting pollination and pest dynamics.

A specialized organ used by some female insects to lay eggs. The structure of an ovipositor can be indicative of ovipositional habits and habitat preferences, important in pest surveillance.

The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages. In entomology, it is crucial as many insects undergo metamorphosis, which can impact agricultural pest management.

A developmental stage of arthropods, such as insects, between each molt until sexual maturity is reached. Knowing instar stages is essential for effective pest management and control measures.

A type of insect development where there is gradual metamorphosis without a pupal stage, going from egg to nymph to adult. This knowledge aids in understanding the lifecycle of certain agricultural pests.

A species that is native to a specific geographic area and found nowhere else. Endemic insect species can be important in preserving biodiversity and can have unique roles in their ecosystems and agriculture.

The agricultural practice of growing a single crop species over a large area. Monoculture can lead to increased vulnerability to pests and is a challenge in pest management.

The transfer of pollen from male to female parts of plants, which can be facilitated by insects. Pollination by insects is vital for the production of many crops hence is of great importance in agriculture.

An organism that spends a significant portion of its life attached to or within a single host organism in a relationship that is ultimately fatal to the host. In agriculture, parasitoids are often used as biological control agents for pests.

A period of suspended development in an insect, allowing it to survive adverse environmental conditions. Diapause is significant in timing control measures for agricultural pests.

A multi-strategy approach to pest control that combines biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. IPM's relevance lies in sustainable agriculture and reduced reliance on chemical pesticides.

The ability of insects to tolerate doses of insecticides that would normally be lethal, often due to genetic mutations. Insecticide resistance is a significant challenge in the effective management of pest populations.

Insecticidal proteins derived from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that target specific insect pests. Bt toxins are used in genetically modified crops and biological control strategies in agriculture.

Chemical substances produced and released into the environment by insects that affect the behavior or physiology of others of its species. Pheromones are used in pest control strategies such as mating disruption.

An organism, such as an insect, that transmits a pathogen from one host to another. Understanding vectors is essential for managing diseases that affect crops.

A long-chain polymer of N-acetylglucosamine, which is a component of the exoskeletons of insects. Chitin's relevance to entomology lies in its role in insect structure and potential as a target for pest control measures.

The study of the timing of life cycle events of organisms, such as flowering or insect emergence, which is influenced by environmental conditions. Phenology is essential in agriculture for predicting pest occurrences and scheduling control measures.

The practice of eating insects by humans. Its relevance in entomology includes studying edible insects and their nutritional value as well as its potential as a sustainable protein source.

A class of neuro-active insecticides chemically similar to nicotine. Neonicotinoids' relevance in entomology includes their impact on non-target insects like bees and the subsequent implications for agriculture.

The population density of a pest that causes economic damage warranting the cost of control measures. Pest thresholds are a key concept in integrated pest management to avoid unnecessary applications of pesticides.

An insect developmental process involving a complete metamorphosis, with four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. This process is significant in the life cycles of many pest and beneficial insects in agriculture.

Insects that perform valuable services like pollination or pest control. These insects are important in agriculture for natural pest suppression and in supporting healthy ecosystems.

The use of living organisms, such as predators, parasitoids, or pathogens, to control pest populations. Its relevance to entomology includes using natural enemies to reduce the impact of pests on crops.

Species that are non-native to an ecosystem and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause harm. In entomology, invasive insects can disrupt local ecosystems and agriculture.

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem at which organisms obtain their energy. In entomology, understanding trophic levels helps explain insect roles in food webs and their effects on agriculture.