Chalcidoid Wasps
Chalcidoidea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Chalcidoidea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Chalcidoidea: /kælˈsɪdɔɪdiə/
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Images
Summary
Chalcidoidea is a diverse superfamily of small wasps that primarily act as parasitoids of other insects. They play a crucial role in ecosystem dynamics by controlling pest populations and some species contribute to pollination and biological control efforts. Despite the known diversity of over 22,000 species, it is estimated that more than 500,000 species exist worldwide, many yet to be described.
Physical Characteristics
Chalcidoids are generally small wasps, averaging 1.5 mm in length and usually being less than 3 mm. The body is often metallic in colour. When wings are developed they have reduced venation or sometimes none at all. They can range in size from up to 41.7 mm long (including ovipositor) to merely 0.13 mm long in males of certain species.
Identification Tips
If wings are present and developed, the forewing has 2 or fewer cells enclosed by tubular veins, with venation reduced or absent. Mymaridae have a distinct dark H-shaped mark on the head between the eyes, and other distinct morphological traits. Male Agaonidae are uniquely adapted to living inside figs.
Habitat
Chalcidoids inhabit various ecosystems where their insect and arachnid hosts are found. They are often associated with flowers, fruits (such as figs), and other vegetation.
Distribution
Chalcidoidea has widespread global distribution, with a considerable number of species found in temperate and tropical regions.
Diet
Most chalcidoids are parasitoids, feeding on the eggs or immature stages of other insects or arachnids. Some species are herbivorous, feeding on plant tissues of stems, leaves, seeds, or flowers.
Life Cycle
Chalcidoids have complex life cycles that involve parasitoidism, as they develop within or upon their hosts. Life histories vary, with some exhibiting solitary and gregarious behavior and enjoying a wide range of host specificity.
Reproduction
Many species reproduce through a parasitic life cycle. Notably, wasps that harbor the bacteria Wolbachia tend to produce only females. Males can produce sounds during mating.
Predators
Predators of chalcidoids include larvae of some Encyrtidae and Eurytomidae that prey on their eggs or larvae.
Ecosystem Role
Chalcidoidea plays a significant role in biological control as many species act as natural enemies of pest insects, helping to regulate populations and maintain ecological balance.
Economic Impact
Chalcidoids are important as biological control agents in agriculture and horticulture, reducing pest populations of various insect orders.
Collecting Methods
- Netting or sweeping through vegetation
- Inspecting flowers and fruits
- Using sticky traps
Preservation Methods
- Pinning specimens
- Freezing for a short period before pinning
- Ethanol preservation
Evolution
The taxonomic status of Chalcidoidea is under constant revision due to molecular systematics, with family relationships frequently changed as research progresses.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
The term 'chalcid' is often mistakenly used to refer only to members of Chalcididae rather than the entire superfamily Chalcidoidea.
Tags
- Chalcidoidea
- chalcid wasps
- Hymenoptera
- parasitoids
- biological control