Identification
Pronotum in profile more or less triangular, and extending to tegula or nearly so. Antennae threadlike, usually with 16 or more segments.. Hind trochanters 2-segmented. Ovipositor rises in front of apex of abdomen, not capable of being withdrawn, often long sometimes longer than body. Venation usually normal. FW without a costal cell (except in Stephanidae).
A useful key to the subfamilies of Ichneumonidae by Gavin Broad (Dept. of Entomology, Nat. Hist. Museum, London, UK) can be downloaded as
PDF. Written for the UK, this key may not cover all of the subfamilies recorded for North America, but is a great tool for clarifying some issues, especially concerning the Ophioninae.
Remarks
A very large and important group. Parasites of other insects or invertebrates. Wasplike in appearance, but (with rare exceptions) do not sting.
Internet References
Ichneumonoidea In Catalan, with excellent photos
