Propodeum

The propodeum, propodeon[1][2] or propodium[attribution needed] is the first abdominal segment in Apocrita Hymenoptera (wasps, bees and ants).

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.

Propodium is the anterior (frontal) part of the foot of a mollusk.