Science Olympiad Entomology Practice Exam

Sphecidae refers to a group of wasps—the family name itself identifies the group. In entomology, this family is often described as thread-waisted wasps, a helpful image for recognizing their slender waists and predatory, nest-provisioning behavior. The other options correspond to different insects entirely: Halictidae are sweat bees, Vespidae include hornets and paper wasps, and Formicidae are ants. So, when naming the group that this family represents, the correct choice is the Sphecidae family itself.