Roproniidae

Definition

A family of small parasitic wasps in the superfamily Proctotrupoidea (order Hymenoptera), characterized by reduced wing venation and a mostly fossil record with only two extant genera. Living species are known from Eurasia and North America and parasitize the larvae of sawflies (family Tenthredinidae).

Etymology

Example

Roproniidae includes both fossil genera from amber deposits and the rare extant genus Ropronia, whose females search for tenthredinid sawfly larvae concealed in plant stems or soil.

Related Terms

• Proctotrupoidea
• Hymenoptera
• Tenthredinidae
• Parasitoid
• fossil Hymenoptera

Usage Notes

A relict family with most diversity known from Cretaceous and Tertiary ambers; extant species are seldom collected and require specialized rearing or sampling techniques. Not to be confused with the similar-looking but unrelated families of Proctotrupoidea such as Proctotrupidae or Heloridae.