The hymenoptera is an extensive order of insects which includes the bees, wasps and ants. Most of the members have two pairs of membranous naked wings, and all members show a marked division of the body into head, thorax and abdomen. The order is divided into two sub-orders, distinguished by the manner in which the thorax is joined to the abdomen. The mouth parts are provided with biting jaws and a suctorial organ. The head is freely movable, and besides the lateral compound eyes there are usually three ocelli on the top of the head. The Hymenoptera undergo complete metamorphosis. Females have the extremity of the abdomen furnished either with an ovipositor, forming a boring organ (terebra), or a sting (aculeus). Research Hymenoptera
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Matt and Leela Probert
Abbreviations
Nature
Research Hymenoptera
