Texas FFA Entomology CDE 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The sucking louse falls under the category of Phthiraptera, which is the order that encompasses various types of lice, including those that are blood-feeding parasites of mammals and birds. Being classified as hemimetabolous indicates that these insects undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they do not have a distinct larval stage; instead, they develop through nymph stages that resemble the adult form.

The term "piercing" denotes the type of mouthparts that sucking lice possess; they are adapted to penetrate the skin of their hosts in order to extract blood. Additionally, these creatures are categorized as pests because they can cause irritation and transmit diseases to their hosts, particularly domestic animals and humans. This classification is vital for understanding their ecological role and potential impact on health and agriculture.

The other options contain classifications that do not accurately represent the sucking louse's biological characteristics and life cycle, making them unsuitable.