Eulophinae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Eulophinae: /juːˈlɒfɪnaɪ/

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

Images

2023 07 31 Sympiesis sericeicornis by Ralf Huber. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Eulophinae is a diverse subfamily of wasps in the family Eulophidae, known for their role as ectoparasitoids of other insects. With numerous genera and species, they contribute significantly to ecological balance by controlling pest populations.

Physical Characteristics

Small to medium-sized wasps, often with a slender body shape.

Identification Tips

Look for distinctively shaped bodies, usually with long antennae and a narrow waist.

Habitat

Eulophinae wasps are typically found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and gardens where their hosts reside.

Distribution

They are widely distributed across various regions, with approximately 240 species documented in various genera in specific areas.

Diet

Eulophinae are primarily ectoparasitoids, feeding on other insects during their larval stage.

Life Cycle

The life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with larvae developing outside their host.

Reproduction

They reproduce by laying eggs on or in host insects, which the larvae then consume as they grow.

Predators

Like many insects, Eulophinae may be preyed upon by birds, larger insects, and other natural predators.

Ecosystem Role

These wasps play a critical role in controlling pest populations by parasitizing them.