Which insect has order Hymenoptera and complete metamorphosis?

Which insect has order Hymenoptera and complete metamorphosis?

• A. Water Strider
• B. Western Corn Rootworm
• C. Yellowjacket
• D. White-Lined Sphinx Moth

Answer: (C)

This question tests recognizing both the insect’s taxonomic group and its life cycle type. The correct answer is a wasp species—the yellowjacket. Hymenoptera includes wasps, bees, and ants, and they all undergo complete metamorphosis, meaning their life cycle passes through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The other choices come from different orders or have different development patterns: a water strider is Hemiptera and undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with nymphs that resemble adults; a western corn rootworm is a beetle (Coleoptera) with complete metamorphosis but not Hymenoptera; a white-lined sphinx moth is a moth (Lepidoptera) with complete metamorphosis but not Hymenoptera.

This question tests recognizing both the insect’s taxonomic group and its life cycle type. The correct answer is a wasp species—the yellowjacket. Hymenoptera includes wasps, bees, and ants, and they all undergo complete metamorphosis, meaning their life cycle passes through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The other choices come from different orders or have different development patterns: a water strider is Hemiptera and undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with nymphs that resemble adults; a western corn rootworm is a beetle (Coleoptera) with complete metamorphosis but not Hymenoptera; a white-lined sphinx moth is a moth (Lepidoptera) with complete metamorphosis but not Hymenoptera.