Aulacid, Ensign, and Gasteruptiid Wasps

Evanioidea

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Evanioidea: /ˌɛvəˈnaɪ.oʊˌɪ.diə/

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

Images

Gasteruption.assectator9.-.lindsey by James K. Lindsey. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Gasteruption F (13837759353) by maxson.erin. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Evania appendigaster 375902276 by Mike Bowie. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Gasteruption F (13837757573) by maxson.erin. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Gasteruption F (13837726675) by maxson.erin. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.
Evania appendigaster (cropped) by Muhammad Mahdi Karim. Used under a GFDL 1.2 license.

Summary

Evanioidea is a small, poorly known superfamily of wasps with three extant families, characterized by unique morphological traits and a rich fossil record dating back to the Middle Jurassic.

Physical Characteristics

The metasoma is attached very high above the hind coxae on the propodeum; the families within the superfamily are uniform in appearance.

Identification Tips

Identification within the superfamily typically requires examining the attachment of the metasoma and other morphological characteristics specific to the families.

Habitat

Evanioidea wasps are found in various habitats, but exact details on habitat preference are poorly documented.

Distribution

Approximately 1100 known species globally; many species remain undescribed, but overall distribution is not fully understood.

Diet

Diet specifics vary among families; many adult Evanioidea are believed to be nectar feeders, while larvae often parasitize other insects.

Life Cycle

Life cycle details are not fully understood; however, it generally includes a parasitic larval stage.

Reproduction

Reproductive strategies may vary between families, but specifics are not detailed in available literature.

Predators

Specific predators of Evanioidea wasps are not well documented; they may face predation from other insects.

Ecosystem Role

Evanioidea wasps play a role in controlling host insect populations as many are parasitic.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Netting adults
  • Searching host plants or substrates

Preservation Methods

  • Specimen drying
  • Ethanol preservation
  • Pinning specimens

Evolution

The superfamily dates back to the Middle Jurassic, with a rich fossil record detailing its evolution.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

There is some debate regarding whether the superfamily is monophyletic, leading to confusion about its classification.

Tags

  • Evanioidea
  • Hymenoptera
  • Insect taxonomy
  • Wasp families