What is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) known for?

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a bacterium that is widely recognized for its effectiveness in controlling caterpillar pests. It produces a crystalline protein that, when ingested by caterpillars, disrupts their digestive system, leading to death. This makes it an invaluable biological control agent in agriculture, particularly for crops susceptible to various caterpillar species.

Utilizing Bt as a pest control method is particularly advantageous because it targets specific insects without harming beneficial insects, making it a more environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Additionally, because the action of Bt is limited to certain types of insects, it can help to conserve ecologically important species while effectively managing pest populations.

In contrast, the other choices do not adequately describe Bt's primary function. While there are other biological agents known for controlling different pests, promoting plant health and attracting beneficial insects are not Bt's roles.