What is a common characteristic of most invasive pest species?

Most invasive pest species are characterized by high reproduction rates. This attribute allows them to establish and spread rapidly in new environments. When they are introduced to areas where they lack natural predators or competitors, their populations can explode, leading to significant ecological and economic impacts.

Invasive species often thrive in various habitats due to their adaptability and resilience, which is enabled by their ability to reproduce in large numbers. This rapid increase in population can displace native species, disrupt local ecosystems, and result in the loss of biodiversity.

The other options present characteristics that are not common among most invasive pest species. Many do thrive in a variety of habitats rather than requiring specialized ones. They are not typically large in size; in fact, many successful invasive species are small and can reproduce quickly. Lastly, invasive species tend to overcome native predators rather than being easily controlled by them. This combination of rapid reproduction and adaptability makes them particularly challenging to manage and control.