Chalcidoidea
Guides
Aeptencyrtus
Aeptencyrtus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, subfamily Tetracneminae. The genus was described by De Santis in 1964. Based on collection records from the UCR Encyrtidae holdings, at least one species, Aeptencyrtus bruchi, has been documented. The genus belongs to a large and economically important family of chalcid wasps, many of which are used in biological control programs.
Afrida
Afrida is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). The genus is represented in the University of California, Riverside (UCR) entomology collection, which holds one of the largest and most important Encyrtidae collections globally. Specimens of Afrida in this collection were sorted to genus level by J. Noyes in 1998 as part of a major reorganization effort. The UCR collection contains representatives of 261 valid encyrtid genera, with many undetermined specimens requiring further taxonomic study.
Agaonidae
fig wasps
Agaonidae is a family of minute chalcidoid wasps comprising the pollinating fig wasps, which maintain an obligate mutualism with Ficus species. Females are winged and darkly pigmented, while males are typically wingless and pale. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision based on molecular phylogenetics, with former subfamilies Epichrysomallinae, Otitesellinae, Sycoecinae, Sycoryctinae, and Sycophaginae excluded and transferred to other families.
Alaptus eriococci
Fairyfly
Alaptus eriococci Girault, 1908 is a species of fairyfly in the family Mymaridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). The species was described by Girault in 1908 and a lectotype was designated by Triapitsyn in 2017 during a comprehensive revision of the Holarctic Alaptus fauna. Like other members of this genus, it is an egg parasitoid, though specific host records for this species remain limited in the available literature. The species name "eriococci" suggests an association with scale insects in the family Eriococcidae.
Anagyrus
Anagyrus is a large genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, containing at least 247 described species distributed worldwide. These wasps are specialized parasitoids primarily targeting mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with several species commercially important for biological control of agricultural pests. The genus includes notable species such as A. pseudococci, A. lopezi, and A. vladimiri, which have been extensively studied and deployed for managing mealybug infestations in crops including cassava, citrus, and grapes. A subgenus, Nesoanagyrus, was established by Beardsley in 1969.
Anagyrus paralia
Anagyrus paralia is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Noyes and Menezes in 2000. It belongs to the genus Anagyrus, which contains numerous species used in biological control of mealybugs and other scale insects. The specific epithet "paralia" suggests a coastal or shore-associated habitat, though detailed ecological data remain limited. Like other Anagyrus species, it is presumed to be a primary parasitoid of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae), but host records specific to this species have not been documented in the available literature.
Anogmus
Anogmus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Foerster in 1856. These small parasitoid wasps belong to the subfamily Pteromalinae and are part of the diverse radiation of pteromalid wasps that attack various insect hosts. The genus is documented from parts of northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Poland.
Aphelinidae
Aphelinidae is a family of minute parasitic wasps containing approximately 1,100-1,160 described species across 34-35 genera. These tiny insects are among the most important biological control agents used in agriculture, particularly for managing scale insects, whiteflies, and other Hemiptera. The family was formerly paraphyletic, leading to the recent elevation of Azotidae, Calesidae, and Eriaporidae to family rank. Specimens deteriorate rapidly after death unless preserved in ethanol, making museum identification challenging.
Aphelininae
Aphelininae is a subfamily of minute parasitic wasps in the family Aphelinidae (order Hymenoptera). Members are primarily parasitoids of scale insects, whiteflies, and other Hemiptera, with some species serving as important biological control agents. The subfamily was established by Thomson in 1876. Some genera historically placed in Aphelininae have been subject to taxonomic revision, with certain species formerly classified here now reassigned to other families such as Eulophidae.
Aphytis
Aphytis is a genus of minute chalcid wasps in the family Aphelinidae, comprising approximately 130 described species. These wasps are specialized ectoparasitoids of armored scale insects (Diaspididae), particularly attacking citrus and other economically important pests. Adults typically measure 2–3 mm in length and exhibit coloration ranging from black to yellow with transparent wings. The genus has been extensively studied for biological control applications, with species such as A. melinus mass-reared and released worldwide to manage scale infestations. The University of California, Riverside maintains a critical collection of Aphytis specimens, including type material for numerous species described by Rosen and DeBach.
Aprostocetus
Aprostocetus is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, established by Westwood in 1833. With approximately 800 described species, it has a global distribution across all major zoogeographic regions. Species are primarily ectoparasitoids or endoparasitoids of insects inhabiting plant galls, including gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), gall wasps (Cynipoidea), and other hosts spanning Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Blattodea, Orthoptera, and Neuroptera. Some species are phytophagous, inducing galls directly on plants. The genus is economically significant as a source of biological control agents for invasive pests.
Aulogymnus
Aulogymnus is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eulophidae, first described by Förster in 1851. Members of this genus are small parasitoid wasps, part of a diverse family that primarily parasitizes other insects. The genus has been recorded from Europe and Asia. Specific biological details for the genus as a whole remain poorly documented in accessible literature.
parasitoidEulophidaeChalcidoideaHymenopteraPalearcticwaspsinsectsarthropodsentomologytaxonomyFörster-1851DenmarkSpainTibetChinaEuropeAsiaminute-waspschalcid-waspsEulophinaeTerebrantesApocritaHexapodaAnimaliaArthropodaInsectaAulogymnussmall-waspstiny-waspsparasitic-waspsbiological-controlinsect-parasitoidssystematicsmorphologyidentificationkeysNearcticOrientalXizangcitizen-scienceiNaturalistobservationsrecordsdistributionFörster1851genusacceptedvalidsynonymychalcidoidchalcidchalcidseulophideulophidseulophid-waspseulophinesparasitoid-waspsparasitic-Hymenopterabiological-control-agentsinsect-diversitybiodiversityfaunaentomologicalhymenopteranarthropodhexapodhexapodspterygotepterygotesendopterygoteendopterygotesholometabolousholometabolatiny-insectsminute-insectssmall-insectsmicrohymenopteramicro-waspsmicro-parasitoidsmicro-chalcidsmicro-eulophidswing-venationantennaethoraxdiagnostic-characterstaxonomic-keysidentification-keysgeneric-keysNearctic-faunaEuropean-faunaAsian-faunaTibetan-faunaSpanish-faunaDanish-faunapoorly-knowndata-deficientunderstudiedcryptic-diversityhost-unknownbiology-unknownlife-history-unknownecology-unknowndistribution-recordsoccurrence-recordsspecimen-recordsmuseum-recordsdatabase-recordsGBIFCatalogue-of-LifeNCBIWikipediaUniversal-Chalcidoidea-DatabaseKey-to-Nearctic-eulophid-generaliteraturesourcesreferencescitationsbibliographyoriginal-descriptiontype-speciestype-localitynomenclaturesystematic-entomologyhymenopterologychalcidologyparasitologybiological-control-researchintegrated-pest-managementIPMagricultural-entomologyforest-entomologymedical-entomologyveterinary-entomologyurban-entomologyconservation-entomologyinsect-ecologycommunity-ecologypopulation-ecologybehavioral-ecologyevolutionary-ecologyphylogeneticsphylogenymolecular-systematicsDNA-barcodingtaxonomy-and-phylogenyclassificationbiodiversity-informaticsbiogeographyhistorical-biogeographyphylogeographydispersalvicariancespeciationdiversificationevolutionadaptationnatural-selectionsexual-selectionlife-history-evolutionhost-parasitoid-interactionscoevolutiontritrophic-interactionsfood-websecosystem-servicesnatural-enemiesbiocontrolaugmentative-biological-controlclassical-biological-controlconservation-biological-controlinvasive-species-managementpest-managementsustainable-agricultureorganic-farmingagroecologyecosystem-healthenvironmental-monitoringbioindicatorsindicator-speciesclimate-changeglobal-changehabitat-lossfragmentationconservation-statusIUCNred-listnot-evaluatedresearch-needsknowledge-gapsfuture-researchprioritiesspecimen-collectionvoucheringmuseum-collectionsnatural-history-collectionsdigitizationdata-sharingopen-scienceFAIR-principlescitizen-science-contributionscommunity-sciencepublic-engagementscience-communicationeducationoutreachnatural-historyinsect-watchingwasp-watchingnature-observationbiodiversity-appreciationAulogymnus smithi
Aulogymnus smithi is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Eulophidae, described by Schauff and Gates in 2005. The genus Aulogymnus belongs to the subfamily Eulophinae within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Eulophid wasps are typically small parasitoids, and members of this genus are known to attack various insect hosts.
Azotidae
Azotidae is a small family of chalcidoid wasps containing a single genus, Ablerus Howard, 1894, with approximately 92–94 described species. The family was elevated from subfamily status within Aphelinidae in 1966 and is now recognized as a distinct family in Chalcidoidea. Azotidae are obligate hyperparasitoids that attack primary parasitoids of hemipteran pests, particularly those associated with scale insects (Diaspididae), whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), and mealybugs. Their biology makes them significant tertiary consumers in agricultural food webs.
Blastothrix longipennis
Blastothrix longipennis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Howard in 1881. It belongs to a genus of encyrtid wasps known primarily as parasitoids of scale insects (Coccoidea). The species has been documented in museum collections across multiple continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Bothriothorax
Bothriothorax is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Ratzeburg in 1844. The genus belongs to the subfamily Encyrtinae, a diverse group of chalcidoid wasps known primarily as parasitoids of scale insects and other Hemiptera. Species of Bothriothorax have been documented in the United States and India, with multiple species recorded in entomological collections. The genus is represented in major Encyrtidae collections including the University of California, Riverside holdings.
Brachycaudonia californica
Brachycaudonia californica is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Ashmead in 1904. It is a parasitoid wasp, though specific host relationships remain undocumented in the available literature. The species is known from limited collection records in California and Ontario, Canada, with only two observations recorded in iNaturalist.
Burksiella
Burksiella is a genus of minute egg parasitoids in the family Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), established by De Santis in 1957. The genus belongs to the tribe Chaetostrichini within the subfamily Oligositinae. Species of Burksiella are known to parasitize eggs of leafhoppers, particularly sharpshooters in the tribe Proconiini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). The genus has been recorded from North and South America, including the western United States, Florida, and Bolivia.
Calosota
Calosota is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Eupelmidae, subfamily Calosotinae. The genus was established by Curtis in 1836. Species in this genus are parasitoids, with at least one species, Calosota elongata, documented as a parasitoid of wood-boring beetles.
Centrodora
Centrodora is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Aphelinidae, comprising approximately 60 described species. The genus is notable for being the most polyphagous within Aphelinidae, with species attacking eggs of insects across multiple orders including Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Orthoptera, and Hymenoptera, as well as pupae of Diptera and nymphs of Hemiptera. Several species have been investigated as biological control agents for crop and forest pests, including C. darwini and C. scolytivorae. The genus exhibits considerable morphological diversity, with some species groups potentially warranting elevation to separate genera.
Ceranisus americensis
Ceranisus americensis is a Nearctic species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae. It is one of several thrips-attacking species placed in the genus Ceranisus. The species was described from North America and has been recorded from Canada and the United States. Like other members of the genus, it is a parasitoid of thrips (Thysanoptera).
Cerchysiella scutellata
Cerchysiella scutellata is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, described by Howard in 1897. The genus Cerchysiella is part of one of the largest and most important collections of Encyrtidae at the University of California, Riverside. Specimens of this species are represented in major entomological collections and have been documented from point-mounted specimens at UCR.
Chalcedectus caelata
Chalcedectus caelata is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Chalcedectidae, described by Grissell in 1991. It belongs to the superfamily Chalcidoidea, a diverse group of minute wasps. The family Chalcedectidae is a small, specialized group within this superfamily. Very little specific information is available about the biology or ecology of this particular species.
Chalcedectus maculipennis
Chalcedectus maculipennis is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Chalcedectidae, first described by Ashmead in 1896. The species name 'maculipennis' refers to spotted wings. It belongs to the superfamily Chalcidoidea, a large group of tiny parasitoid wasps. Very little specific biological information has been published for this species.
Chalcedectus texanus
Chalcedectus texanus is a species of chalcidoid wasp in the family Chalcedectidae, originally described by Brues in 1907. The species is known from Texas, as indicated by its specific epithet and distribution records. Chalcedectidae is a small family of parasitoid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea.
Chalcididae
Chalcidid Wasps
Chalcididae is a family of parasitoid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea, comprising over 85 genera and more than 1,460 species worldwide. Members are characterized by greatly enlarged, toothed hind femora that enable powerful jumping. Most species are parasitoids of Lepidoptera and Diptera pupae, though some attack Coleoptera (particularly jewel beetles in the genus Chrysobothris) and other insects. The family is currently considered polyphyletic, with subfamilies potentially warranting elevation to family status. They occur across diverse habitats from tropical to temperate regions, with notable diversity in semiarid regions of Brazil and teak plantations in Southeast Asia.
Chartocerus
Chartocerus is a genus of minute parasitic wasps in the family Signiphoridae, comprising 27 described species. Members are known primarily as hyperparasitoids—parasitoids of other parasitoids—though some species have been recorded as primary parasitoids of aphids, psyllids, mealybugs, scale insects, and flies. The genus has been documented as an obligate hyperparasitoid of other chalcid wasps, including Diaphorencyrtus aligarhensis and possibly Tamarixia radiata.
Cheiloneurus
parasitic wasp
Cheiloneurus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae. Species within this genus function primarily as hyperparasitoids, attacking other parasitoid wasps that develop within scale insects, mealybugs, and other hemipteran hosts. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a group of coarse bristles at the apex of the scutellum and a long marginal vein on the fore wings. Cheiloneurus species have been recorded from multiple continents including Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, with some species being utilized or studied for biological control applications.
Chrysocharis beckeri
Chrysocharis beckeri is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, described by Carl M. Yoshimoto in 1973. It was one of six new species described in a revision of the subgenus Chrysocharis s. str. for North America north of Mexico. The revision included species keys, morphological descriptions, and host records for 18 species total.
Chrysocharis clarkae
Chrysocharis clarkae is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, described by Carl M. Yoshimoto in 1973 as part of a revision of the subgenus Chrysocharis s. str. in North America north of Mexico. The species is one of six newly described in that revision. Members of the genus Chrysocharis are generally known as parasitoids of leaf-mining insects.
Chrysocharis giraulti
Chrysocharis giraulti is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, one of 18 species in the subgenus Chrysocharis s. str. occurring in North America north of Mexico. The species was described by Yoshimoto in 1973 to replace the preoccupied name petiolata Girault. It belongs to a group of small chalcidoid wasps whose members are primarily parasitoids of leaf-mining insects.
Chrysocharis minuta
Chrysocharis minuta is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Christer Hansson in 1986. Like other members of the genus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of leaf-mining insects, though specific host records for this species remain limited. The species has been documented in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada, and the United States.
Chrysocharis prodice
Chrysocharis prodice is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1839. The genus Chrysocharis comprises species known as parasitoids of leaf-mining insects, particularly flies (Diptera: Agromyzidae). This species is recorded from multiple Canadian provinces, indicating a northern distribution pattern. Like other eulophids, it likely plays a role in regulating populations of herbivorous insects in forest and agricultural ecosystems.
Cirrhencyrtus
Cirrhencyrtus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, described by Timberlake in 1918. Species in this genus are known to parasitize mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), with documented associations with Ferrisia virgata and Dysmicoccus brevipes in southern Chiapas, Mexico. The genus is represented in major entomological collections, including the UCR Encyrtidae collection, which holds specimens of C. ehrhorni and C. diversicolor.
Cirrospilus
Cirrospilus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Eulophidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Species within this genus are primarily ectoparasitoids of leaf-mining insects, particularly gracillariid moths such as the citrus leafminer (Phyllocnistis citrella). Several species have been investigated and employed as biological control agents against agricultural pests, with notable examples including C. ingenuus, C. diallus, C. pictus, and C. coachellae. The genus exhibits variation in host specificity, fecundity, and developmental rates influenced by temperature and host stage.
Cleonymidae
Cleonymidae is a family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea, elevated from subfamily status within Pteromalidae based on morphological and phylogenetic studies. The family contains approximately 190 documented observations and includes seven recognized genera: Agrilocida, Callocleonymus, Cleonymus, Dasycleonymus, Notanisus, and Zolotarewskya. Members are small parasitoids, though specific biological details for the family remain poorly documented in published literature.
Closterocerus cinctipennis
Closterocerus cinctipennis is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Ashmead in 1888. The species is known from scattered records across the eastern and central United States, with documented occurrences in California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, and New York. As a member of the genus Closterocerus, it is presumed to be a parasitoid, though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented. The specific epithet 'cinctipennis' refers to the banded or girdled appearance of the wings.
Closterocerus damastes
Closterocerus damastes is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Francis Walker in 1847. It belongs to the subfamily Entedoninae, a group of small parasitoid wasps. The genus Closterocerus includes species that are primarily parasitoids of other insects. Distribution records indicate presence in Canada, specifically Ontario.
Closterocerus utahensis
Closterocerus utahensis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Eulophidae, first described by Crawford in 1912. The species epithet "utahensis" suggests a type locality or association with Utah, though published distribution records indicate occurrence across multiple U.S. states including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Maryland. As a member of the genus Closterocerus, it belongs to a group of small chalcid wasps that are typically parasitoids of other insects, particularly gall-forming or leaf-mining insects. The species is documented in museum collections including the UCR Entomology Research Museum.
Colotrechninae
Colotrechninae is a subfamily of chalcidoid wasps within the family Pteromalidae, established by Thomson in 1876. Members are small parasitoid wasps, part of the diverse Chalcidoidea superfamily that contains numerous species associated with other insects as hosts. The subfamily is relatively poorly documented in public literature compared to other pteromalid groups.
Conura lasnierii
Conura lasnierii is a species of chalcid wasp in the family Chalcididae, first described by Guérin-Méneville in 1844. The genus Conura comprises parasitoid wasps, and members of this genus are known to attack pupae of Lepidoptera. This species has been documented from a limited number of observations, with records primarily from the Neotropical region.
Conura odontotae
Copidosoma pyralidis
Copidosoma pyralidis is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Ashmead in 1888. Like other members of its genus, it is an endoparasitoid that develops inside host insects. The species is documented from the eastern United States and Canada.
Cosmocomoidea morrilli
Cosmocomoidea morrilli is a species of fairyfly wasp in the family Mymaridae, originally described by Howard in 1908. The species has undergone taxonomic revision, having been previously classified under the genus Gonatocerus. Like other members of Mymaridae, it is an egg parasitoid, though specific host associations for this species remain incompletely documented. The genus Cosmocomoidea was established to accommodate species formerly placed in Gonatocerus that share distinct morphological characteristics.
Cratomus
Cratomus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, first described by Dalman in 1820. Members of this genus are small chalcidoid wasps that develop as parasitoids of other insects. The genus is part of the diverse Pteromalinae subfamily, which contains numerous species associated with various host insects. Cratomus species are known from parts of Europe including Denmark and Sweden.
Cyrtogaster
Cyrtogaster is a genus of chalcidoid wasps in the family Pteromalidae, subfamily Miscogastrinae, tribe Sphegigastrini. The genus was established by Walker in 1833. At least one species, C. vulgaris, has been documented as a secondary parasitoid (hyperparasitoid) of dipteran leafminers, with females laying eggs inside host puparia without discriminating between healthy hosts and those already parasitized by primary parasitoids.
Dendrocranulus californicus
Dendrocranulus californicus is a species of parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae, a group within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. The genus Dendrocranulus is represented in the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Encyrtidae collection, one of the largest and most important collections of this family globally. Species in this genus are parasitoids, typically associated with scale insects or other hemipteran hosts. The specific epithet 'californicus' indicates a geographic association with California.
Dicopomorpha
fairyfly
Dicopomorpha is a genus of fairyflies in the family Mymaridae, established by Ogloblin in 1955. The genus includes ten described species and is notable for containing some of the smallest known adult insects. The wingless male of Dicopomorpha echmepterygis holds the record as the smallest known adult insect at only 130 μm in length. Like other mymarids, these wasps are egg parasitoids, though specific host associations remain largely unknown due to their minute size and cryptic biology.
Dipara
Dipara is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Diparidae (Chalcidoidea), first described by Walker in 1833. The genus exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are typically wingless (apterous) or short-winged (brachypterous) with clavate antennae, while males are fully winged (macropterous) with filiform antennae. Species are collected primarily from leaf litter and soil habitats using yellow pan traps. Despite flightless females suggesting limited dispersal, some species show minimal phylogeographic structure across broad geographic ranges.
Diparidae
Diparidae is a family of chalcid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Formerly classified as a subfamily (Diparinae) of Pteromalidae, it is now recognized as a distinct family. The group exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism and includes both winged and wingless forms. Most species are parasitoids associated with forest leaf litter habitats.