Numbers
About 500 species in the Nearctic region, 3400 in the world.
Eulophinae: About 150 Nearctic species in 33 genera.
Euderinae: 35 Nearctic species in 6 genera.
Tetrastichinae: 212 Nearctic species in 42 genera.
Entedoninae: About 145 Nearctic species in 27 genera.
Identification
The 4-segmented tarsi helps distinguish this chalcid from the very similar pteromalid group. These wasps also shrivel up badly after death which is also a characteristic of this family. Most species are primary parasitoids of hidden larvae (e.g. leafmining orders such as Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, etc.), and some are hyperparasitoids as well. The host range is very diverse. (Comment by Ross Hill).
Other features: dark metallic coloration, 4-segmented tarsi with protibial spur short and straight. Antennae with 2 to 4-segmented
funicle, (i.e. antenna at most with 10 segments).
Remarks
A difficult group, not well studied.
Internet References
University of California. Key to Nearctic genera of Eulophidae.
