Platygastridae
Guides
Exon
Exon is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae, described by Masner in 1980. These are minute wasps that develop as parasitoids of insect eggs. The genus is currently classified as taxonomically doubtful (DOUBTFUL status in GBIF), indicating uncertainty about its validity or circumscription. Platygastridae as a whole are understudied, and detailed biological information for this genus is extremely limited.
Iphitrachelus
Iphitrachelus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae, first described by Haliday in 1836. The genus has an almost cosmopolitan distribution with records from North America, Africa, and Europe. As platygastrids, members are presumed to be egg parasitoids of insects, though specific host associations remain largely undocumented. The Nearctic fauna includes three species, with I. canadensis described from Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland.
Leptacis
Leptacis is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae. These wasps are known to parasitize gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), particularly those associated with freshly cut or damaged wood. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with documented species across multiple continents. Leptacis wasps are typically less than 2 mm in length and are often overlooked due to their small size.
Metaclisis floridana
Metaclisis floridana is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Platygastridae. The species was originally described by Ashmead in 1887 and was later redescribed as part of a comprehensive revision of Nearctic Metaclisis species. The male of this species was described for the first time in this revision. The genus Metaclisis belongs to the subfamily Platygastrinae and comprises 18 recognized Nearctic species, 16 of which were newly described in the same revision.
Odontacolus
Odontacolus is a genus of tiny parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae, characterized by a distinctive laterally compressed metasomal horn in females. The genus was redefined in 2013 to include Cyphacolus as a junior synonym, expanding the group to encompass species from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. All known species are parasitoids of spider eggs, using a specialized ovipositor system to inject eggs into host egg sacs. Species range from 1 to 2.5 mm in length.
Oethecoctonus oecanthi
Oethecoctonus oecanthi is a parasitoid wasp in the family Platygastridae (formerly Scelionidae). It is the type species of the genus Oethecoctonus, originally described by Riley in 1893. The genus contains three North American species, with two additional species (O. ophrynopus and O. pleuralis) described in a 1983 revision.
Platygaster munita
Platygaster munita is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Platygastridae, described by Francis Walker in 1836. The species is recorded from Europe, with confirmed presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. As a member of Platygastridae, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), though specific host associations for this species remain undocumented.
Platygaster rubi
Platygaster rubi is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Platygastridae. The species was described by Ashmead in 1893. As a member of Platygaster, it is presumed to be a parasitoid of gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), though specific host associations for this species remain unverified in the provided sources.
Scelio floridanus
Scelio floridanus is a parasitoid wasp species first described by Ashmead in 1893. It belongs to the genus Scelio within the family Platygastridae (formerly treated as Scelionidae). The species is native to Florida, as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other members of Scelio, it is presumed to be an egg parasitoid of orthopteran hosts, though specific host records for this species are not well documented in available sources.
Synopeas
Synopeas is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in family Platygastridae, comprising approximately 400 described species. Species in this genus are known to parasitize gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), with several species documented as biological control agents of agricultural pests including the soybean gall midge (Resseliella maxima) and swede midge (Contarinia nasturtii). Some species exhibit distinctive morphological features such as greatly elongated metasomas. The genus is understudied and considered part of a 'dark taxon' with high diversity but limited ecological and taxonomic documentation.
Synopeas hopkinsi
Synopeas hopkinsi is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Platygastridae, first described by Crawford and Bradley in 1911. Members of the genus Synopeas are known to parasitize gall midges (Cecidomyiidae), though the specific host associations for S. hopkinsi remain undocumented. The species is characterized by an extremely small body size and typical platygastrid morphology, including a short spine on the scutellum that distinguishes the genus from related taxa. Like other Synopeas species, adults likely locate hosts using chemical cues associated with host damage or activity.