THE ANTS, BEES, AND WASPS 



83 



Definition of Hymenoptera (Gr. hymen, membrane ; pteron, 

 wing). The insects which we have been considering in this 

 chapter all agree in possessing mouth-parts adapted both to 



FIG. 50. Metamorphosis of Saw-Fly. Natural size 



biting and lapping, and four membranous wings with few 

 veins. The order is called Hymenop'tera. A structural pecul- 

 iarity is the union of the first abdominal somite to the thorax, 

 so tl]^t the division between what appears to be the thorax 

 and the abdomen comes after the first abdominal somite. 

 The Hymenoptera undergo " complete " metamorphosis. The 

 larvse are called maggots. 



