The thick exoskeletons of insects, such as beetles, protect them from direct contact with insecticides.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Partly true
• D. Not enough information

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that an insect’s thick exoskeleton acts as a physical barrier to chemicals that touch the body. The outer cuticle, especially in beetles, has a waxy, low-permeability surface that slows or limits how quickly a pesticide can penetrate to reach vital tissues. Because of this barrier, insects with sturdy exoskeletons are better protected from direct-contact insecticides than softer-bodied pests, making these formulations less immediately effective on them.

That said, this protection isn’t absolute. Pesticides differ in how they work, and some are formulated to penetrate the cuticle more effectively, or can enter through ingestion or through damaged surfaces. But when considering direct contact exposure specifically, the thick exoskeleton provides notable protective buffering, which is why the statement is true.