Stephanoidea

Pronunciation
/STEF-an-oh-EYE-dee-ah/
Category
Taxonomy
Singular
Stephanoidean
Plural
Stephanoideans

Definition

A superfamily of parasitic wasps belonging to the order Hymenoptera. They are parasitoids, primarily of beetle larvae.

Full guide

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

Etymology

From Greek 'stephane', meaning 'crown' or 'wreath', and 'oides', meaning 'resembling'.

Example

Stephanoidea are known for their distinctive ovipositors, which they use to lay eggs inside beetle larvae.

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