The propodeum, propodeon[1][2] or propodium[attribution needed] is the first abdominal segment in Apocrita Hymenoptera (wasps, bees and ants). It is fused with the thorax to form the mesosoma. It is a single large sclerite, not subdivided, and bears a pair of spiracles. It is strongly constricted posteriorly to form the articulation of the petiole, and gives apocritans their distinctive shape. There may be a suture between the propodeum and the thorax, like in Symphyta[3] or not, and the presence or absence of such suture can aid in identifying specimens.
- ^ "propodeum". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
- ^ Maggenti, Mary Ann (2010). Dictionary of Invertebrate Zoology. Lulu.com. p. 291. ISBN 9781609620011.
- ^ Saini, Malkiat; Dhillion, Surjit (September 1980). "Metapleural Transformations with Respect to Propodeum and Metapostnotum in Hymenoptera". The Florida Entomologist. 63 (3): 286–292. doi:10.2307/3494624. JSTOR 3494624. Retrieved 16 November 2020.