Ichneumonidae
- Pronunciation
- /ik-NEW-mon-ih-DEE/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Ichneumonid
- Plural
- Ichneumonids
Definition
A large family of parasitic wasps, known as ichneumonids. They are characterized by their slender bodies and long, often filiform (threadlike) ovipositors.
Etymology
From Greek 'ichneuo', meaning 'to track' or 'to trace'.
Example
The Ichneumonidae are important parasitoids of many insect species, including those in the order Lepidoptera.