The propodeum, propodeon or propodium 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 or not, and the presence or absence of such suture can aid in identifying specimens.
In molluscs
Propodium is the anterior (frontal) part of the foot of a mollusk.
References
- "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.
- "propodium". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 2024-08-22.
This insect anatomy–related article is a stub. You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it. |