Which insect order is characterized by bees, wasps, and ants?

The correct answer is the order Hymenoptera, which includes bees, wasps, and ants. This order is characterized by having two pairs of membranous wings, a narrow waist, and a variety of social structures ranging from solitary to highly social species, as seen in bees and ants. Members of Hymenoptera play critical roles in ecosystems as pollinators and as part of food webs, showcasing their ecological importance.

The other orders mentioned do not include these insects: Hemiptera includes true bugs like aphids and cicadas; Lepidoptera consists of butterflies and moths; and Diptera covers flies and mosquitoes, none of which share the defining characteristics of Hymenoptera. Understanding this classification helps in recognizing the vast diversity within insect orders and their ecological functions.