Aphelinidae
Aphelinidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hymenoptera
- Superfamily: Chalcidoidea
- Family: Aphelinidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aphelinidae: //æfəˈlaɪnɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Aphelinidae is a moderate-sized family of tiny parasitic wasps with approximately 1100 species, recognized for their ecological significance in biological control and variable life cycles depending on species.
Physical Characteristics
0.6–1.4 mm in size; generally 5 segmented tarsi (sometimes 4); antennae with eight or fewer segments; large eyes; distinctive forewing venation; long marginal vein; yellowish-brown coloration; thorax and abdomen broadly joined.
Identification Tips
Difficult to separate from other Chalcidoidea except by subtle features of the wing venation and other characters.
Habitat
Found throughout the world in virtually all habitats.
Distribution
Approximately 1100 described species in 28 genera worldwide.
Diet
Larvae are primary parasitoids on Hemiptera, with some attacking eggs, pupae, or serving as hyperparasites.
Life Cycle
Males and females may have different life histories and host preferences, with females generally developing as primary endoparasitoids of homopterous hosts.
Ecosystem Role
Important as biological control agents.
Collecting Methods
- Preservation in ethanol
Preservation Methods
- Alcohol preservation
Evolution
Related to Encyrtidae, and may be split into separate families in the future due to paraphyletic nature.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Confusion with other Chalcidoidea due to similar morphology.
Tags
- Aphelinidae
- parasitic wasps
- biological control
- Hymenoptera
- Chalcidoidea