Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What type of insects typically build paper carton nests from chewed wood?

1. Ants

2. Social wasps

3. Flies

4. Beetles

The correct answer is: Social wasps

Social wasps are the insects known for constructing nests from paper-like materials created by chewing wood fibers mixed with their saliva. This process results in a pulp that dries into a lightweight, durable nest structure. These paper carton nests serve as protective environments for their colonies and accommodate the developing larvae. In contrast, ants may create nests from soil, leaves, or other materials but do not produce paper nests in the same way. Flies do not build nests as social wasps do; instead, they might lay eggs in various substrates. While some beetles create structures or galleries, they do not make nests of chewed wood destined for nurturing larvae like social wasps do. Thus, the characteristic behavior and nest-building technique of social wasps makes them the correct answer to this question.