Metasoma

In waist wasps (Apocrita), i.e. the hymenoptera with a wasp waist, the term metasoma refers to the separated part from the second segment of the abdomen ( abdomen ). The metasoma connects to the mesosoma .

In some species the first segment of the metasoma is formed as a petiolus ( e.g. some digger wasps ), or the first two segments (in knot ants ). The rest of the abdomen, which begins with the second, third, or fourth abdomen segment depending on the type of insect, is called the gaster .

In scorpions (Scorpiones) the "tail" (cauda) is called the metasoma, ie the segments adjoining the mesosoma to the rear, including the telsons with the poison sting .

literature

• R. Stockmann & E. Ythier: Scorpions of the World. NAP Editions 2010, ISBN 978-2-913688-11-7