Eupelmidae is a family of parasitic wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea. The larvae of the majority are primary parasitoids, commonly on beetle larvae, though many other hosts are attacked, including spiders. Details of the life history varies considerably (e.g., some attack eggs and others are hyperparasites).[1] They are found throughout the world in virtually all habitats.

Eupelmidae
Eupelmus urozonus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hymenoptera
Superfamily: Chalcidoidea
Family: Eupelmidae
Walker, 1833
Subfamilies

Description

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They are somewhat variable in appearance, though a fair number of species are relatively easy to separate from other Chalcidoidea by the possession of a medially concave mesonotum. They also have the unusual tendency to arch the body strongly upwards when dead, with the head and metasoma often nearly touching above the thorax.[1][2]

 
Balcha indica

Taxonomy

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In 2022, genera previously placed in this family were moved to the families Metapelmatidae and Neanastatidae. As presently defined, there are 39 genera in Eupelmidae.[3]

Subfamily Calosotinae

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Genera remaining after the loss of five genera to Eusandalinae:[4][3]

Subfamily Eusandalinae

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Genera:[3]

Subfamily Eupelminae

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Genera:[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Pitkin, B.R. (2004). "Notes on families: Eupelmidae". Universal Chalcidoidea Database. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
  2. ^ Gibson, G. A. (1986). Mesothoracic skeletomusculature and mechanics of flight and jumping in Eupelminae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea: Eupelmidae) 1. The Canadian Entomologist, 118(7), 691-728. DOI PDF
  3. ^ a b c Roger A. Burks; Mircea-Dan Mitroiu; Lucian Fusu; et al. (20 December 2022). "From hell's heart I stab at thee! A determined approach towards a monophyletic Pteromalidae and reclassification of Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera)". Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 94: 13–88. doi:10.3897/JHR.94.94263. ISSN 1070-9428. Wikidata Q115923766.
  4. ^ a b Noyes, J.S. (March 2019). "Universal Chalcidoidea Database". The Natural History Museum. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
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