Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Leucospidae

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Kingdom
  
Superfamily
  
Chalcidoidea

Phylum
  
Rank
  
Family

Suborder
  
Apocrita

Scientific name
  
Leucospidae

Higher classification
  
Chalcid wasp

Order
  
Hymenopterans

Leucospidae Leucospidae Leucospis affinis BugGuideNet

Similar
  
Hymenopterans, Perilampidae, Leucospis, Ormyridae, Insect

The Leucospidae (sometimes incorrectly spelled Leucospididae) are a small, specialized group within the Chalcidoidea, composed exclusively of ectoparasitoids of aculeate wasps or bees. They are typically mimics of bees or stinging wasps, often black with yellow, red, or white markings, sometimes metallic, with a robust mesosoma and very strong sculpturing. The hind femora are often greatly enlarged, with a row of teeth or serrations along the lower margin as in Chalcididae. The female ovipositor is sometimes short, but if not, it is recurved and lies along the dorsal side of the metasoma, a unique feature. The males are also unusual, in the fusion of many of the metasomal segments to form a capsule-like "carapace".

Leucospidae Flickr photos tagged leucospidae Picssr

Leucospids are generally rarely encountered except in areas where their hosts are abundant; in the United States, the most common species is Leucospis affinis, which attacks nests of leafcutter bees.

Leucospidae httpsphotossmugmugcomInsectsInsectOrdersB
Leucospidae BOLD Systems Taxonomy Browser Leucospidae family

Leucospidae HymenopteraLeucospidaeLeucospis affinisChalcid Wasps A Urban

Leucospidae Leucospidae Wikipedia

References

Leucospidae Wikipedia


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