← Gallery II · The Orders
No. 04 · Holometabolous
Bees, Wasps, Ants & Sawflies
Hymenoptera
~150,000
Described species
~90
Families
Introduction
Hymenoptera includes the planet's most ecologically dominant social insects — ants and bees — plus the staggering diversity of parasitoid wasps that regulate other insect populations.
Field marks
Key ID traits.
Two pairs of membranous wings hooked together by tiny hooks (hamuli). Most have a constricted 'wasp waist' between thorax and abdomen. Females often have a sting (modified ovipositor). Highly social in many groups.
Etymology
Greek hymen 'membrane' + pteron 'wing'
Wings
Variable
Diet
Nectar/Pollen · Predator · Parasitic · Herbivore
Habitat
Terrestrial · Parasitic · Soil
Notable examples
Honey bees, bumble bees, paper wasps, yellow jackets, ants, sawflies, ichneumon wasps, fig wasps.