Eurytomidae

Definition

A family of minute chalcid wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea, characterized by reduced wing venation, a distinct mesonotal structure, and often robust bodies. Members are primarily parasitoids or phytophagous, with many species attacking gall-forming insects or developing directly in plant tissues such as seeds, stems, or galls.

Etymology

Example

Eurytoma gigantea, a seed-feeding eurytomid, is a common parasitoid of goldenrod gall flies (Eurosta solidaginis), while other eurytomids induce galls themselves or exploit existing galls as secondary inhabitants.

Related Terms

• Chalcidoidea
• Chalcididae
• Pteromalidae
• Eulophidae
• Parasitoid
• inquiline
• gall wasp
• seed wasp

Usage Notes

The family is morphologically diverse; some authorities split off subfamilies such as Heimbrinae or Bureschiinae, though these remain debated. Eurytomids are frequently encountered in rearing projects from plant galls and seeds, where they may be primary parasitoids, hyperparasitoids, or gall inducers—identification to species often requires examination of male genitalia and mesonotal sculpture. Contrast with Chalcididae, which typically have clubbed antennae with fewer segments and different wing venation patterns.