Why is Eriosoma lanigerum placed in Kingdom Animalia?

Answer

Because it is a multicellular, eukaryotic organism that must consume others for energy

Placement within the Kingdom Animalia signifies a fundamental biological strategy for obtaining sustenance and structure. Animals are universally defined as multicellular life forms whose cells possess a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles (eukaryotic). Crucially, animals are heterotrophic, meaning they cannot produce their own food via photosynthesis or chemosynthesis; instead, they must ingest or consume other organisms or organic matter for necessary energy and carbon compounds. While having an exoskeleton (Arthropoda) or specialized mouthparts (Hemiptera) are important taxonomic markers, the criteria for Kingdom Animalia relate to cell structure and energy acquisition methods, differentiating it broadly from fungi, plants, and bacteria.

Why is Eriosoma lanigerum placed in Kingdom Animalia?
insectclassificationpestAphid