Pennsylvania Junior Envirothon Practice Test 2025 – The All-in-One Resource for Exam Success!

The correct answer is the Japanese Beetle. This species is recognized for its small size and distinctive metallic green and copper-colored shell, making it easily identifiable. Originally from Japan, the Japanese Beetle has become invasive in many parts of the United States, including Pennsylvania. It poses a threat to various crops and plants, feeding on over 300 species of plants, which can result in significant damage to gardens and agricultural areas.

The other species listed, while also significant in their impact, do not match the description of having a small, colored shell. The Asian Tiger Mosquito is known for its distinct black and white striped legs and aggressive biting behavior. The Red Imported Fire Ant is recognized for its painful sting and mound-building habits, rather than any shell. Lastly, the Spotted Lanternfly, while invasive and harmful to crops, is a planthopper with a distinctive gray and red coloration but lacks a shell in the way described. Thus, the Japanese Beetle is the species that correctly fits the criteria.