Which statement is true regarding the body color of carpenter ants?

The statement that the body of carpenter ants can be red, brown, tan, or yellow, depending on the species, is accurate. Carpenter ants belong to various species, and their coloration can vary significantly among these species. This diversity allows for identification based on color, which, along with size and behavior, is essential for distinguishing one species from another.

The different colors can serve various purposes, including camouflage in their environments and helping to differentiate species, which is crucial for understanding their biology and ecology. Many people often think of carpenter ants as being primarily black, but recognizing that they can exhibit a range of colors enhances awareness of their diversity and can aid in identification during pest assessments or biological studies. This understanding is valuable for both pest control professionals and those studying entomology.

The other options do not reflect the range of coloration observed in carpenter ants, which confirms option B as the true statement.