Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Sclerodermini Kieffer, 1914
Cephalonomiini Evans, 1964
Kieffer (1914) first defined the tribe Sclerodermini within Bethylinae. Berland (1928) then treated it as the subfamily Scleroderminae. Evans (1964) did not recognize the subfamily and treated it again as a tribe in Epyrinae, until Alencar & Azevedo (2013) raised it again to the rank of subfamily.
(1)Explanation of Names
Scleroderminae Berland, 1928; Alencar & Azevedo, 2013
Numbers
~213 spp. in 22 genera worldwide
(1)Identification
If wings entirely lacking, eyes present with many facets. For winged forms, forewing with Rs+M vein absent; metanotum not developed medially nor overlapping mesoscutellum posteriorly; metasomal segment II not distinctly long; metapectal-propodeal complex not depressed medially, never with posterior spines; body not strongly foveolate; mesopleuron without transepisternal line; forewing of macropterous forms with anterior board angularly incurved; anterior to pterostigma, costal vein usually absent; occipital carina often absent.
(1)Life Cycle
Generally, members of this subfamily parasitize larvae of Coleoptera in cryptic habitats.
(1)Internet References
Alencar, I. D. C. C. and C. O. Azevedo. (2013). Reclassification of Epyrini (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae): a tribal approach with commentary on their genera. Systematic Entomology, Vol. 38, No. 1: 45–80. (
Wiley Online Library)