A large group of insects that includes wasps, bees, and ants, characterized by a narrow waist connecting the thorax and abdomen.
From Greek apo- (away) + krinein (to separate or divide), referring to the distinctive constriction or cutting-off of the insect's body. The term was formalized in entomology.
Apocrita means 'separated' because these insects have that tiny waist—it's like nature put a string around them, and it's what lets bees bend their abdomens to sting!
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