Texas FFA Entomology CDE Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

The velvet ant, despite its name, is actually a type of wasp belonging to the order Hymenoptera, which encompasses a diverse group of insects that include ants, bees, and wasps. Specifically, velvet ants are part of the family Mutillidae within this order. Hymenoptera is distinguished by having two pairs of membranous wings, and many members possess a narrow waist called a petiole. This order is also noted for its complex social structures in many species, particularly among bees and ants.

Understanding the characteristics that define the Hymenoptera order helps clarify why the velvet ant fits within this classification. In comparison, the other choices pertain to different orders of insects: Diptera includes flies and mosquitoes, Orthoptera consists of grasshoppers and crickets, and Coleoptera comprises beetles. Each of these orders displays unique anatomical and behavioral traits that separate them from hymenopterans, further solidifying the classification of the velvet ant as a member of Hymenoptera.