Chalcid Wasps, Jewel Wasps

Family Chalcidoidea

Perilampus hyalinus (Family Pteromalidae). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Most are parasitoids of other insects, attacking the egg or larval stage of the host. Hosts are in the orders Lepidoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Homoptera. A few species are phytophagous and the larvae feed inside seeds, stems, and galls. This is a beneficial group in keeping crop pests under control, and many species have been imported to control insect pests. They can be found almost everywhere, particularly on flowers and foliage but they are often overlooked. Chalcidoids are tiny, dark-coloured wasps, moften metallic blue or green with complex sculpturing on the body. They are also recognized by the characteristic reduced wing venation. Wings are reduced or absent in some species.