Eulophidae

Definition

A large family of minute chalcid wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) comprising over 4,300 described species in approximately 300 genera. Eulophids are primarily primary parasitoids attacking a vast range of arthropod hosts at all life stages, including exceptional records of thrips parasitism—a trait shared with only one other hymenopteran family. Formerly recognized as separate families, the Elasmidae (genus Elasmus) and related groups are now treated as subfamilies within Eulophidae. These wasps are challenging to study due to rapid postmortem deterioration, making museum identification difficult.

Etymology

From genus Eulophus (Greek eu- 'well' + lophos 'crest') + -idae family suffix

Example

The genus Tetrastichus (Eulophidae) includes species used in classical biological control against gall-forming insects, while Elasmus species parasitize lepidopteran leafrollers.

Related Terms

• Chalcidoidea
• Parasitoid
• Elasminae
• Entedoninae
• Tetrastichinae
• Elasmus
• Biological control
• primary parasitoid

Usage Notes

As a family name, Eulophidae is treated as plural in formal taxonomic usage. The family's former subdivision into separate families (Elasmidae, etc.) has been revised; current taxonomy recognizes these as subfamilies. Eulophids are distinguished from other chalcid families by wing venation, antennal segmentation, and larval biology, though minute size and specimen fragility complicate field and museum identification. The family is notable among parasitoids for its broad host range and cosmopolitan distribution across terrestrial habitats.