Hymenoptera

Hymenoptera (Gr., 'membrane-winged'), an order of insects, including (a) ants, bees, wasps (Aculeata)—with stings; and, in a lower division, (b) gall-flies, saw-flies, and ichneumon-flies (Terebrantia), in which the abdomen of the female bears a boring ovipositor. The mouth parts are adapted both for biting and sucking. The wings are typically four, membranous, and with comparatively few veins; they may be caducous or absent; the second pair is always smaller than the first. The metamorphosis is complete. Both in structure and intelligence the hymenoptera occupy a high place among insects, and indeed among animals. Their characteristics will best be gathered from the study of special types. See ANT, BEE, GALL-FLY, SAW-FLY, WASP, and INSECTS.