Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which tree type does the wood wasp typically infest?

1. Only conifers

2. Only hardwoods

3. A variety of wood types

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: A variety of wood types

The correct answer notes that the wood wasp typically infests a variety of wood types. Wood wasps, belonging to the family Siricidae, are known for their ability to tunnel into the wood of various types of trees, which includes both conifers and hardwoods. This adaptability in host selection is crucial for their reproduction and development since they lay their eggs within the wood, where the larvae can feed on the cellulose and other nutrients found in the tree. This broad host range indicates that wood wasps do not limit themselves to a single category of trees, making them generalists rather than specialists in their choice of wood. Understanding this aspect can help in managing infestations and recognizing the potential impact these pests can have on different types of forests and ecosystems. The other options, which suggest that wood wasps only infest conifers or hardwoods, or do not infest any trees at all, do not accurately represent the feeding and reproductive behaviors of these insects.