Which type of pesticide causes injury upon contact and does not need to be ingested?

The correct choice is a contact pesticide, as it is specifically designed to cause injury to pests upon direct contact with their bodies. This type of pesticide works by delivering its active ingredients through the exoskeleton or outer surfaces of pests, affecting their physiological processes almost immediately.

Contact pesticides do not require ingestion, which distinguishes them from ingested pesticides that must be consumed by the pest to have a toxic effect. This makes contact pesticides particularly effective for fast-acting applications where immediate pest control is necessary.

In contrast, systemic pesticides are absorbed by plants and can then affect pests that feed on them, making their action dependent on ingestion rather than direct contact. Residual pesticides are designed to remain effective for an extended period after application, but they also rely on contact with pests to be effective; however, their lasting presence does not define their immediate mode of action.

Thus, the defining characteristic of contact pesticides is their method of action through contact, making them the correct answer in this context.