Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which type of insects is primarily found in groups that build mounds?

1. Ants

2. Flies

3. Bees

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: Ants

The correct answer is focused on ants, as they are well-known for their habit of building mounds or nests, often made of soil, leaves, and other organic materials. Ant colonies are structured and organized, with various workers responsible for different tasks, including building and fortifying their mounds. These mounds serve multiple purposes including protecting the colony from predators and environmental conditions, facilitating ventilation, and providing a habitat for the queen and her brood. While bees also build nests that can take various forms, including hives, they typically do not create mounds in the same manner as ants. Instead, bee nests can be in cavities or even abandoned structures, depending on the species. Flies, on the other hand, tend to have less complex nesting behaviors that do not involve the construction of mounds. Therefore, the specific trait of mound-building is primarily associated with ants, making them the most accurate choice in this question.