WASPS, ANTS, AND BEES OF KENTUCKY
Critter Files/Insects/Wasps, Ants, and Bees

Wasps, Ants, and Bees are closely related insects.  They are all in the same order, Hymenoptera, which means "membrane wing."  All insects in this order have chewing mouthparts as adults, and all go through a complete metamorphosis, with immature stages that resemble worms or caterpillars.  Most wasps and bees have four transparent wings.  Most ants that are encountered (workers) do not have wings, but other members of ant colonies, such as queens and drones, have four transparent wings and look very much like wasps.

Wasps, ants, and bees are some of the most well-known and numerous insects.  All species of true ants live in hives or colonies.  Some wasp and bee species also live in colonies, but most species of wasps and bees are solitary.  Learn more about different kinds of wasps, ants, and bees by clicking on the pictures above.