Eulophidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Chalcidoidea
Family: Eulophidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eulophidae: //juːˈlɒfɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Aprostocetus kansasia by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Elasmus apanteli by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Psephenivorus mexicanus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pseudomphale graciliventris by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Syntomosphyrum orgyiae by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Eulophidae is a large family of hymenopteran insects known for their role as parasitoids of various arthropods, with significant ecological and economic impacts. They exhibit unique morphological traits that help distinguish them within the Chalcidoidea superfamily.

Physical Characteristics

Dark metallic coloration; 4-segmented tarsi with short and straight protibial spur; antennae with 2 to 4-segmented funicle and a maximum of 10 antennomeres.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from the similar pteromalid group by the 4-segmented tarsi and the specific structure of the protibial spur.

Habitat

Found throughout the world in virtually all habitats, including aquatic environments where they parasitize water-penny beetles.

Distribution

Worldwide with over 4,300 described species in more than 330 genera.

Diet

Most species are primary parasitoids of hidden larvae, feeding on a diverse range of arthropods, including leaf-mining and wood-boring larvae. Some species are hyperparasitoids on predators like ichneumonid wasps.

Life Cycle

The life cycle typically involves stages as parasitoids in which they develop inside or on their host species, leading to the death of the host as they mature.

Reproduction

Eulophidae typically reproduce by laying eggs inside or on their hosts, which are primarily other arthropods.

Ecosystem Role

Eulophids play a significant role as biocontrol agents, controlling populations of pest species such as leaf miners and other agricultural pests.

Economic Impact

They are used in biological control programs due to their role in parasitizing pests, potentially benefiting agriculture.

Collecting Methods

Traps for adult specimens.
Sweep netting in suitable habitats.
Direct collection from host plants or areas of known host activity.

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation to prevent rapid deterioration post-collection.
Pinning and stretching for some larger species.
Microhabitat storage with controlled conditions.

Evolution

The family includes genera formerly classified into separate families, such as Elasmus; derived eulophids show evolutionary adaptations to parasitism.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other small wasps due to their size and color traits; people may not realize their crucial ecological role as parasitoids and biocontrol agents.