Numbers
4 subfamilies with >830 spp. in ~110 genera in our area and >4,300 spp. in >330 genera worldwide
(1) (numbers in
(2) are outdated. =v=)
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).
Key to nearctic genera (except Tetrastichinae) in
(3)
Food
Feed on mites, spider egg cases (hyperparasites on ichneumonid egg predators), a few Homoptera (Coccidae, Diaspididae), Thysanoptera, and numerous families of Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera. A large number of species parasitize the leaf-mining and wood-boring Lepidoptera and Diptera, perhaps more so than any other Hymenoptera.
Print References
Gauthier N., LaSalle J., Quicke D.L.J., Godfray H.C.J. (2000) Phylogeny of Eulophidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), with a reclassification of Eulophinae and the recognition that Elasmidae are derived eulophids. Syst. Entomol. 25: 521-539.