Sierolomorphid Wasps

Sierolomorphidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Tiphioidea
Family: Sierolomorphidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Sierolomorphidae: //ˌsaɪroʊloʊˈmɔrfɪˌdiː//

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Summary

The Sierolomorphidae is a family of wasps with 13 extant species, mostly found in the Northern Hemisphere. Adults are dark, solitary ectoparasitoids and their biology is largely unknown.

Physical Characteristics

♀ body 5.1–5.8 mm, forewing 3.0–4.3 mm; ♂ body 3.4–5.0 mm, forewing 2.2–4.8 mm; adults predominantly dark brown or black in colour.

Identification Tips

Resemble robust bethylids with more complex forewing venation. The first metasomal segment does not have a true node, but may appear similar to that of ants.

Habitat

Found predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere, with some presence in Hawaii.

Distribution

Much of North America; also Palaearctic regions with extant species in Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Eastern Russia, and Syria.

Diet

Larvae are suspected to be ectoparasitoids of other insects.

Life Cycle

Information on the life cycle is limited due to the rarity and obscurity of the family.

Reproduction

Both males and females have wings; females are sometimes wingless. Further details on reproductive habits are obscure.

Ecosystem Role

As ectoparasitoids, they may play a role in regulating insect populations.

Evolution

The family has 13 extant species with no significant data on evolutionary history or adaptations.

Similar Taxa

Bethylidae