Elenchus

Elenchus is a genus of parasitic insects in the family Elenchidae, order Strepsiptera. These insects are commonly known as planthopper twistwing parasites, reflecting their host associations and their membership in the twisted-wing parasite group. The genus was established by Curtis in 1831. Strepsipterans in this genus exhibit the extreme sexual dimorphism characteristic of the order: adult males are free-living with reduced wings and halteres, while females are endoparasitic and remain within their hosts.