Pelecinid Wasps

Pelecinidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Proctotrupoidea
Family: Pelecinidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pelecinidae: /pɛlɛˈsɪnɪdiː/

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Summary

Pelecinidae is a family of parasitic wasps within the superfamily Proctotrupoidea, known for their distinct long, curled abdomen and their parasitic relationship with beetle larvae.

Physical Characteristics

Antennal sockets separated from dorsal clypeus margin; forewings with R forked; veination reduced; hindwings small; females have a long, curled abdomen that is distinct.

Identification Tips

Look for the long, curled abdomen of females which is a distinguishing feature of the family.

Habitat

Diverse habitats where beetle larvae and other host insects are found.

Distribution

United States (west to North Dakota to Texas) to Argentina.

Diet

Parasitic on larval beetles, flies, green lacewings, and sawflies.

Life Cycle

Hatching occurs from eggs laid in or near host larvae, which are then parasitized by the wasps.

Reproduction

Reproductive strategy involves laying eggs in or on the larvae of host insects.

Ecosystem Role

As parasitoids, they play an important role in controlling the populations of host insects.

Evolution

The family was much more diverse during the Mesozoic, with a rich fossil record dating back to the Jurassic and highly diverse in the Cretaceous.