OPM Termite Practice Exam

Which characteristic helps identify a drywood termite?

1. Dark coloration

2. Two-tone appearance

3. Large size

4. Small wings

The correct answer is: Two-tone appearance

The characteristic that helps identify a drywood termite is the two-tone appearance. This distinction arises from the contrast in coloration between the body and the head of the drywood termite. Typically, the body is lighter while the head may appear darker, creating this notable two-tone effect. This coloration helps differentiate drywood termites from other types of termites, which may have more uniform colors. In contrast, dark coloration is not unique to drywood termites, as various species of termites can exhibit dark coloring, making it less reliable for identification. Similarly, the size of drywood termites does not distinctly stand out as large compared to other termite species, as their size is often similar to that of subterranean termites. Lastly, while drywood termites do possess wings, their wings are not particularly small; rather, they have wings that are proportionate to their body size, which does not aid in their identification. Therefore, the emphasis on the two-tone appearance is key in recognizing drywood termites effectively.