Bethylidae

Pronunciation
/beth-ih-li-dee/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Bethylid
Plural
Bethylids

Definition

A family of small to medium-sized wasps. Some species are apterous and ant-like. Females lay their eggs in the nests of other insects, where the larvae feed on the host's resources.

Full guide

Read the full Bethylidae guide for identification, examples, and taxonomy.

Etymology

Derived from the New Latin 'Bethylus', based on Greek 'bethys', meaning 'deep'.

Example

Bethylid wasps are known for their kleptoparasitic behavior, where they lay their eggs in the nests of other insects.

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