hymenoptera

Hymenoptera
    n 1: an order of insects including: bees; wasps; ants;
         ichneumons; sawflies; gall wasps; etc. [syn: {Hymenoptera},
         {order Hymenoptera}]
    

Hymenoptera \Hy`me*nop"te*ra\, n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. ?
   membrane-winged; ? skin, membrane + ? wing.] (Zool.)
   An extensive order of insects, including the bees, ants,
   ichneumons, sawflies, etc.
   [1913 Webster]

   Note: They have four membranous wings, with few
         reticulations, and usually with a thickened, dark spot
         on the front edge of the anterior wings. In most of the
         species, the tongue, or lingua, is converted into an
         organ for sucking honey, or other liquid food, and the
         mandibles are adapted for biting or cutting. In one
         large division ({Aculeata}), including the bees, wasps,
         and ants, the females and workers usually have a sting,
         which is only a modified ovipositor. Hymenopteral