The Hymenoptera are the largest order of insects. They originated in the Triassic and comprise over 150,000 living and 2,000 extinct species. Their name derives from the membranous appearance of their wings, which resemble a thin, transparent zipper. This order includes the families of bees (Apoidea), wasps (Vespidae), ants (Formicidae), and others. Most of these insects sting and possess a well-developed system for producing and injecting venom into the body of a victim (Fig. 1).