Chalcid Wasps – Chalcididae family

Chalcid Wasps   Family: Chalcididae Common Name: Chalcid, Chalcid wasp, Chalcid fly, Chalcidoid Appearance: Chalcid wasps belong to the Chalcidae family, which consists of small insects ranging in size from 2-9 mm. The females are larger than the males. Most of them are dark-colored, appearing in shades of black, brown, metallic blue, and green. They also exhibit transparent wings. Host Plants or Food: Chalcid wasps obtain nutrition from other insects by utilizing them as hosts. The most common host insects for these wasps include species from Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera. Depending upon the species, the host may either be a larva or an adult. Territory: Throughout North America, Australia, Europe Mode of Damage:  They are considered beneficial garden insects that eliminate harmful pests by feeding on them. Habits and Life History: Chalcid wasps are usually found in areas with high insect density since they use them as hosts. Hence, a vast majority of their species are found in wet, green areas. They occur as ectoparasites or endoparasites, laying their eggs in or near other insects. The larvae emerge from the eggs and feed on the host to fulfill their nutritional needs. Chalcid wasps exhibit almost all kinds of feeding habits given their diverse host bodies. They help regulate the pest population and serve as one of the best biological controllers of the environment.