Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which group is characterized by their relatively large mounds that do not have a noticeable entry or exit hole?

1. Honey bees

2. Fire ants

3. Termites

4. Carpenter ants

The correct answer is: Fire ants

The group characterized by relatively large mounds that do not have a noticeable entry or exit hole is indeed fire ants. Fire ants construct their mounds using soil and debris, resulting in structures that can be quite large and conspicuous. These mounds are often dome-shaped and may rise several inches above the ground. While the mounds may seem to lack prominent openings, fire ants have multiple tunnel systems underneath that allow them to move in and out of the mound, often using underground pathways that are not immediately visible. In contrast, honey bees typically create hives or nests in a hollow tree or artificial structures, and while these may involve some form of mounding, they do not exhibit the same characteristics as fire ant mounds. Termites usually construct nests that can be intricate and often include visible exit holes used for foraging and ventilation. Carpenter ants also create nests, often in wood, and while they can form mounds, their entry and exit points are generally more apparent than those of fire ants. Therefore, the defining features of fire ant mounds—size, composition, and the lack of obvious entry points—make them the correct answer.