Which statement is false regarding the neonicotinoid class of insecticides?

• A. They are a selective class of insecticides that act on the insect's nervous system.
• B. They are the only class of insecticides that are highly toxic to honey bees.
• C. The most widely used neonics include imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin and dinotefuran.
• D. Neonics move upward in xylem sap internally within plants where they can later reach nectar and pollen.

Answer: (B)

Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides that disrupt the insect nervous system by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing overstimulation and death. Because they move with the plant’s xylem, they can travel to various tissues, and residues may end up in nectar and pollen, which is a key point for pollinator exposure. Among the most widely used neonics are imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and dinotefuran, reflecting their extensive agricultural adoption. The statement that they are the only class of insecticides highly toxic to honey bees isn’t correct; other pesticide classes can also be toxic to bees, and toxicity depends on exposure, formulation, and context.