Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

Which insects resemble bumblebees but can be identified by their shiny, black, hairless abdomens?

1. A) Carpenter ants

2. B) Flower bees

3. C) Carpenter bees

4. D) Bumblebees

The correct answer is: C) Carpenter bees

The identification of insects that resemble bumblebees but have shiny, black, hairless abdomens leads to the correct answer of carpenter bees. These bees are often mistaken for bumblebees due to their similar size and overall shape; however, carpenter bees can be distinguished by their distinctly shiny, black, and hairless abdomens, which lack the fuzzy appearance typical of bumblebees. In observing carpenter bees in their natural habitat, one might note that their behavior and nesting habits also contribute to their identification; they are known for burrowing into wood for nesting. Understanding these physical and behavioral characteristics allows for accurate identification, which is essential in differentiating them from actual bumblebees and other similar-looking insects. Awareness of these traits is beneficial for pest management and environmental studies.