Guide To Insect Orders and Families With Emphasis On Parasitoids and Predators\

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GUIDE TO INSECT ORDERS & FAMILIES, WITH EMPHASIS ON

PARASITOIDS & PREDATORS ¹

E. F. Legner, University of California, Riverside

This key is in a form commonly used in North America. If the statement is true, proceed to the designated couplet, whereas if it is false, go to the "b" portion of the couplet. Numbers in parentheses refer to the previous couplet or couplets read. Details on families may be found in <Principal Groups>. See MORPHOLOGY to learn about insect structure. -- The Class Entognatha is included herein Citations

(For References, please refer to <Biology References> & <General References> [Additional

references may be found at: MELVYL Library]

Navigate directly to: Coleoptera Diptera Hemiptera Lepidoptera Neuroptera

Strepsiptera Hymenoptera (Chalcidoidea Pteromalidae Subfamiliea)

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1a. Adults have well-developed wings

1b. Adults wingless or with wings vestigial or rudimentary (nymphs, larvae & some adults)

2a (1a). Wings membranous, not hardened or leathery

2b. Front wings hardened or leathery, at least at base (Figs.A-E ); hind wings, if present, usually membranous . . . A

3a (3a). Only 1 pair of wings

3b. Two pairs of wings

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4a (3a). Body shaped like a grasshopper; pronotum ( = dorsal plate or sclerite of prothorax) extends back over abdomen and is pointed apically; hind legs enlarged (Figs.A-F ) [pygmy grasshoppers... A.. Orthoptera

4b. Body not shaped like a grasshopper; pronotum not as previous; hind legs not so enlarged.

217

5a (4b). Antennae with at least 1 segment bearing along lateral process; front wings minute, hind wings like a fan (Figs.A-B ); minute insects [male twisted-winged parasitoids) A Strepsiptera

5b. Does not fit previous description exactly

6a (5b). Abdomen with 1-3 thread-like or bristle-like caudal (= tail) filaments; mouthparts vestigia

6b. Abdomen without thread-like or bristle-like caudal filaments; mouthparts almost always developed, mandibulate (= chewing) or for sucking

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7a (6a). Antennae long and conspicuous; abdomen terminates in one long style (rarely 2); wings with a single forked vein (Fig.A ); halteres (= knobbed modified hind wings) present and usually terminating in a hooklike bristle; minute insects, usually <5 mm in length [male scale insects] ...... A.,,,,,,..Homoptera

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7b. Antennae short, bristle-like, and inconspicuous; abdomen with 2-3 thread-like caudal filaments; wings with numerous veins and cells; halteres absent; usually >5 mm in length (Fig. A ) [mayflies] ......Ephemeroptera

8a (6b). Tarsi almost always with 5 segments; mouthparts for sucking; hind wings knob-like, reduced to halteres (Figs.A-E ); body lightly sclerotized (= hardened) [flies]..... A. .Diptera

8b. Tarsi with 2-3-segments; mouthparts variable; hind wings reduced or absent, not haltere-like

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9a (8b). Mouthparts mandibulate (Figs.A-E )[psocids]...... A ...Psocoptera (Corrodentia)

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9b. Mouthparts for sucking (Figs.A-C) [some planthoppers & leafhoppers] .........Homoptera

227

10a (3b). Wings mostly or entirely covered with scales (Fig. A ); mouthparts usually in the form of a coiled proboscis (Fig.B ); antennae with many segments (Figs.C-G) [butterflies & moths] .......A. ..... Lepidoptera

10b. Wings not covered with scales; mouthparts not a coiled proboscis, antennae variable

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11a (10b). Wings long and narrow, veinless or with only 1-2 veins, and fringed with long hairs (Fig.A); tarsi with 1-2 segments, the last segment swollen; minute insects, usually <5 mm in length (Figs.A-D ) [thrips]....... A..........Thysanoptera

11b. Wings not as previously described , or if wings are somewhat linear, then the tarsi have more than 2 segments

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12a (11b). Front wings relatively large and usually triangular; hind wings small and usually rounded, the wings at rest held together above the body; wings usually with many veins and cells; antennae short, bristle-like, and inconspicuous; abdomen with 2-3 thread-like caudal filaments (Fig.A ); delicate, soft-bodied insects (Fig.B) [mayflies]... A........ Ephemeroptera

12b. Not as previously described

13a (12b). Tarsi with 5 segments

13b. Tarsi with 4 or less segments

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14a (13a). Front wings obviously hairy; mouthparts usually very much reduced except for the palps; antennae usually as long as body or longer; somewhat soft-bodied insects (Figs.A-F ) [caddis flies.... A.......Trichoptera

14b. Front wings not hairy, at the most with microscopic hairs; mandibles well developed; antennae shorter than body

118

15a (14b). Body quite hard, wasplike insects; clypeus not elongated; the abdomen often constricted at base, 1st abdominal segment fused to thorax; fore wings distinctly larger than hind wings and with fewer veins; front wings with 20 or less cells (Figs.A-F)[sawflies, bees and wasps]....... A.........Hymenoptera

15b. Body soft, not wasplike, the abdomen not constricted at base; hind wings about the same size as front wings and usually with about as many veins; front wings frequently with more than 20 cells

194

16a (15b). Costal area of front wings (= area just behind anterior margin) nearly always with numerous cross veins per pair of longitudinal veins (Fig.A), or if not (Fig.B) then hind wings shorter than front wings; mouthparts not prolonged ventrally into a beak (Figs.C-G) [lacewings, dobsonflies, antlions] ... A.........Neuroptera

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16b. Costal area of front wings with not more than 2-3 cross veins per pair of longitudinal veins (Fig.A ); mouthparts prolonged ventrally to form a beak-like process (Figs.B-D [scorpionflies]..........Mecoptera

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17a (13b). Hind wings as long as front wings and of the same shape or wider at base, the wings at rest held above the body or extended out (never held flat over abdomen); wings with many veins and cells; antennae short, bristle-like, and inconspicuous; abdomen long and slender (Figs.A-B ); tarsi with 3 segments; length 20-85 mm [dragonflies, damselflies) A ....Odonata

17b. Not as previously described

18a (17b). Mouthparts for sucking

18b. Mouthparts mandibulate (= chewing)

140

19a (18a). Beak arises from front part of head (Figs.A-E ) [gnat bugs..Hemiptera /Heteroptera ...A

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19b. Beak arises from hind part of head (Fig.A ) [cicadas, some hoppers, aphids, some psyllids and whiteflies] ...Homoptera

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20a (18b). Tarsi with 4 segments; front and hind wings similar in size, shape and venation (Figs.A-E ) cerci tiny or absent [termites]..... A.......Isoptera

20b. Tarsi with 3 or less segments; hind wings usually shorter than front wings; cerci either present or absent

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21a (20b). Hind wings with anal area nearly always enlarged and forming a lobe, which is \ folded like a fan at rest; venation varying from normal to very dense, the front wings usually with several cross veins between Cu-1 and M and between Cu-1 and Cu-2 (Fig. A ); cerci present and often fairly long; mostly 10 mm or more in length; nymphs aquatic, and adults usually near water (Figs.A-F ) [stoneflies] .... A...... Plecoptera

21b. Hind wings without an enlarged anal area and not folded at rest; venation normal or reduced, with no extra cross veins; short cerci present or absent; mostly 10 mm in length or less; nymphs not aquatic and adults not regularly near water

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22a (21b). Tarsi with 3 segments, basal segment of front tarsi enlarged A ....(Figs.A-B) [webspinners].Embioptera

22b. Tarsi with 2-3 segments, basal segment of front tarsi not enlarged

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23a (22b). Cerci present; tarsi with 2 segments; wing venation reduced (Figs.A-D ); moniliform (= bead-like) antennae with 9 segments ..... A........ Zoraptera

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23b. Cerci absent; tarsi with 2-3 segments; wing venation not much reduced (Figs.A-D ) ;antennae not moniliform, usually long and hairlike, with 13 or more segments ...... Psocoptera (= Corrodentia)

24a (2b). Mouthparts for sucking, beak elongated and usually segmented (Figs.A-B )...... A

24b. Mouthparts mandibulate

140

25a (24a). Beak arises from front of head (Fig.A); basal portion of fore wing usually thickened and leathery, but membranous at tip, the tips overlapping at rest (Fig.B ) A [true bugs] .....Hemiptera / Heteroptera

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25b. Beak arises from hind part of head, often appearing to begin at base of front legs; front wings of uniform texture throughout, the tips not, or only slightly, overlapping at rest [leafhoppers & some psyllids] .......Homoptera

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26a (24b). Abdominal cerci like forceps (Fig.A); front wings short, leaving most of abdomen exposed; tarsi with 3 segments (Fig.A) [earwigs] ..... A........ Dermaptera

26b. Abdominal cerci not like forceps, or if cerci appear as such, then front wings cover most of abdomen; tarsi variable

152

27a (26b). Front wings entirely leathery and without veins and usually meet in a straight line down middle of back; antennae generally with 11 or fewer segments and have diverse shapes (Figs.A-I ); hind wings narrow, usually longer than front wings when unfolded, and with few veins (Figs.J-O) [beetles].... A....... Coleoptera

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27b. Front wings with veins and either held like a roof over abdomen or overlapping over abdomen when at rest; antennae generally with >12 segments; hind wings broad, usually shorter than front wings, and with many veins (Fig.A ), usually folded like a fan at rest [crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches and preying mantids].......Orthoptera

28a (1b). Body usually insect-like, with segmented legs and usually segmented antennae

28b. Body generally worm-like, body regions (except possibly head) not well differentiated, and segmented thoracic legs absent; antennae present or absent

29a (28a). Front wings present but rudimentary; hind wings absent or represented by halteres;tarsi almost always with 5 segments [some flies].........Diptera

29b. Wings entirely absent or with 4 rudimentary wings and no halteres; tarsi variable

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30a (29b). Antennae absent; length 1.5 mm or less (Fig.A ); usually occur in soil or leaf litter. A ....... Protura (in Class Entognatha)

30b. Antennae usually present (sometimes small); size and habitat variable..........

31a (30b). Ectoparasites of birds, mammals, or honey bees and usually found on the host; body somewhat leathery and usually flattened dorsoventrally or laterally

31b. Free-living (not ectoparasitic), terrestrial or aquatic

32a (31a). Tarsi with 5 segments; antennae short and usually concealed in grooves on head; mouthparts for sucking

32b. Tarsi with fewer than 5 segments; antennae and mouthparts variable

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33a (32a). Body flattened laterally; usually jumping insects, with rather long legs (Fig.A ) A [fleas] ......Siphonaptera

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33b. Body flattened dorsoventrally; not jumping insects, legs usually short (Fig.A ) [louse flies, bat flies & bee lice].........Diptera

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34a (32b). Antennae decidedly longer than head; tarsi 3-segmented (Fig.A ) [bed bugs and A bat bugs] .......Hemiptera / Heteroptera

34b. Antennae not longer than head; tarsi with 1 segment

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35a (34b). Head as wide as or wider than prothorax; mouthparts mandibulate; parasites of birds (with 2 tarsal claws) and mammals (with 1 small tarsal claw) (Figs.A-D ) A …[chewing lice] Mallophaga

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35b. Head usually more narrow than prothorax; mouthparts haustellate (= for sucking); parasites of mammals with 1 large tarsal claw (Figs.A-B ) [sucking lice]… Phthiraptera (= Anoplura)

36a (31b). Mouthparts for sucking, with a conical or elongated beak enclosing stylets

36b. Mouthparts mandibulate (sometimes hidden in head), not beaklike

37a (36a). Tarsi with 5 segments; maxillary or labial palps ( = segmented processes) present

37b. Tarsi with 4 or fewer segments; palps small or absent

227

38a (37a). Body covered with scales; beak usually in the form of a coiled tube; antennae long and with many segments [wingless moths] .......... Lepidoptera

38b. Body not covered with scales; beak not coiled; antennae variable, but often short, with 3 or less segments [wingless flies] ............Diptera

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39a (37b). Mouthparts in the form of a cone located basally on ventral side of head; palps present but short; body elongated, usually <5 mm in length; antennae about as long as head and prothorax combined, not bristle-like, and 4-9 segmented; tarsi 1-2 segments, often without claws (Fig.A ) [thrips....... A ....... Thysanoptera

39b. Mouthparts as an elongated segmented beak; palps absent; other characters variable

140

40a (39b). Beak arises from front part of head; antennae with 4-5 segments and not bristle-like; tarsi usually with 3 segments; abdomen without cornicles (= dorsal tubular structures on posterior abdomen ) [true bugs]. ... A. Hemiptera / Heteroptera

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40b. Beak arises from rear of head; antennae either with >5 segments (and tarsi with 2 segments) or bristle-like (and tarsi with 3 segments); abdomen often with a pair of cornicles (Fig.A ) [aphids, hoppers, etc.]...... Homoptera

118

41a (36b). Abdomen very constricted at base; antennae often elbowed; tarsi with 5 segments; bodies hard, ant-like [ants & wingless wasps ........Hymenoptera

41b. Abdomen not very constricted at base; antennae not elbowed; tarsi variable

42a (41b). Abdomen with 3 long thread-like caudal filaments and with style-like appendages on some abdominal segments (Fig.A ); mouthparts mandibulate, but often somewhat A retracted into head; body almost always covered with scales; terrestrial [bristletails]

42b. Abdomen with only 2 thread-like caudal filaments or none; if with 3 [mayfly nymphs] then aquatic; other characters variable

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43a (42a). Compound eyes large and usually contiguous; body somewhat cylindrical, with thorax arched; ocelli present; middle and hind coxae often with styli; abdominal styli (= bristlelike processes) on segments 2-9 (Fig.A ).... A......Class: Insecta; Subclass Monocondylia: Order: Arachaeognatha..……....Microcoryphia

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43b. Compound eyes small and widely separated or absent; body somewhat flattened dorsoventrally, thorax not arched; ocelli present or absent; middle and hind coxae without styli; abdominal segments 1-6 (sometimes 7) without styli (Fig.A ) [silverfish]…......…..Thysanura

44a (42b). Aquatic insects, often with tracheal gills (= protruding externally at spiracles)

44b. Terrestrial insects, without tracheal gills

45a (44a). Nymphs; compound eyes and usually wing pads present

45b. Larvae; compound eyes and wing pads absent

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46a (45a). Prehensile labium (= lower lip), folded under head at rest, and when extended much longer than head (Figs.A-G ) [dragonfly and damselfly nymphs]...... A.........Odonata

.47

46b. Labium normal, not as previously described

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47a (46b). Having 3 caudal filaments; tarsi with 1 claw; gills located on lateral margins of abdominal terga (= dorsal plates or sclerites) and usually leaflike or plate-like A... (Figs.A-C ) [mayfly nymphs].... .....Ephemeroptera

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47b. With 2 caudal filaments; tarsi with 2 claws; gills mostly present, somewhat fingerlike, usually located on underside of thorax (Figs.A-D ) [stonefly nymphs]..........Plecoptera

227

48a (45b). Having 5 pairs of prolegs (= fleshy abdominal legs) on ventral side of abdomen, the prolegs with tiny hooks (crochets) [aquatic caterpillars) ............Lepidoptera

48b. Abdominal segments without prolegs or with only one terminal pair

194

49a (48b). Mouthparts with 2 slender and elongated structures, longer than head; antennae long and slender, or least 1/3rd as long as body; tarsi with 1 claw (Fig.A ); live in freshwater sponges [Sisyridae larvae]... A................. Neuroptera

49b. Mouthparts, and usually also antennae, short and not as described previously

194

50a (49b). Tarsi with 2 claws; abdomen with long slender lateral processes and a long slender terminal process (Figs A & B) [Sialidae] or with slender lateral processes and a pair of hooklike structures apically (Fig. C.) [Corydalidae, fishfly and alderfly larvae ...... A.........Neuroptera

50b. Tarsi with 1-2 claws; if with 2, then abdomen not as described previously

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51a (50b). Abdomen with a pair of hooks, usually on anal prolegs, at posterior end and without long lateral processes (but at times with finger-like gills); tarsi with 1 claw; usually living in cases (Figs.A-F ) [caddisfly larvae]..... A........Trichoptera

152

51b. Abdomen with 4 hooks at posterior end or none, and with or without long lateral processes; tarsi with 1-2 claws (Fig.A ); not living in cases [beetle larvae].......... Coleoptera

52a (44b). Mouthparts usually withdrawn into head and not obvious; abdomen with stylelike appendages on some segments or with a forked appendage near end of abdomen; usually <7 mm long

52b. Mouthparts usually distinct, mandibulate or haustellate (= for sucking); abdomen without appendages as described previously; size variable

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53a (52a). Antennae long, with many segments; abdomen with at least 9 segments and with stylelike appendages on ventral side of some segments; without a forked appendage near end of abdomen, but with well developed cerci (Figs.A-C ) ... A ......... Diplura (in Class Entognatha)

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53b. Antennae short, with 6 or less segments; abdomen with 6 or less segments and usually with a forked appendage near posterior end (Figs.A-G ) [springtails]............ Collembola (in Class Entognatha)

152

54a (52b). Body larviform ( = shaped like a worm or larva), thorax and abdomen not differentiated; compound eyes present [larviform beetles] .............Coleoptera

54b. Body shape variable, but if larviform, then without compound eyes

55a (54b). Compound eyes usually present; body shape variable, but usually not worm-like; wing pads often present [adults & nymphs]

55b. Compound eyes and wing pads absent, body usually worm-like in shape [larvae]

56a (55a). Tarsi with 5 segments

56b. Tarsi with 4 or less segments

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57a (56a). Mouthparts prolonged ventrally into a snout-like process (Fig.A ); body somewhat A .......cylindrical and usually <15 mm long (Fig.A) [wingless scorpionflies].... Mecoptera

57b. Mouthparts not as previously described; body shape and size variable

217

58a (57b). Antennae with 5 segments; Texas (some && twisted-winge parasitoids;Mengeidae] .... Strepsiptera

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58b. Antennae with >5 segments; widely distributed (Figs.A-G) [rock crawlers, walking A sticks & some cockroaches..........Orthoptera

59a (56b). Cerci like forceps; tarsi with 3 segments

59b. Cerci absent or, if present, not like forceps; tarsi variable

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60a (59a). Antennae more than 1/2 as long as body; cerci short; western U.S.A. [Timemidae] ........ Orthoptera

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60b. Antennae usually less than 1/2 as long as body; cerci long (Fig.A ); widely distributed A [earwigs] .......... Dermaptera

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61a (59b). Tarsi with 3 segments, basal segment of front tarsi enlarged (Figs.A-B ) [webspinners] ............... Embioptera

61b. Tarsi with 2-4 segments, basal segment of front tarsi not enlarged

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62a (61b). Appearance like grasshoppers, with hind legs enlarged and fitted for jumping; length usually >15 mm (Figs.A-E) [grasshoppers]… A….....… Orthoptera

62b. Not like grasshoppers, hind legs usually not as previously described; length <10 mm

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63a (62b). Tarsi with 4 segments; pale, soft bodies, wood- or ground-inhabiting insects A (Figs.A-E ) [termites]........Isoptera

63b. Tarsi with 2-3 segments; color and habits variable

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64a (63b). Cerci present, 1 segmented, and terminating in a long bristle; antennae with 9 segments and moniliform (Figs.A-C ); compound eyes and ocelli absent (= simple yes); tarsi with 2 segments.... A..........Zoraptera

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64b. Cerci absent; antennae with 13 or more segments and usually hair-like (Fig.A ); compound eyes and 3 ocelli usually present; tarsi with 2-3 segments [psocids........Psocoptera (= Corrodentia)

65a (55b). Ventral prolegs (= fleshy abdominal legs) present on 2 or more abdominal segments (Figs.A-B )..... A.

65b. Abdominal prolegs absent or on terminal segment only

227

66a (65a). Have 5 pairs prolegs (on abdominal segments 3-6 & 10) or fewer (Fig. A), the prolegs with tiny hooks (crochets); several (usually 6) ocelli on each side of head [caterpillars] ............. Lepidoptera

66b. Have 6 or more pairs of abdominal prolegs, the prolegs without crochets; ocelli number variable

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67a (66b). Ocelli, 7 or more, on each side of head; prolegs on segments 1-8 or 3-8, usually faint pointed structures (Fig.A ) [scorpionfly larvae]........ A.......... Mecoptera

118

67b. Ocellus (one) on each side of head; prolegs fleshy and not pointed, usually on abdominal segments 2-8 & 10, sometimes on 2-7 or 2-6 & 10 (Figs.A-B ) [sawfly larvae] .....Hymenoptera

194

68a (65b). Mandible and maxilla on each side united to form a sucking jaw that is often long (Figs.A-B); tarsi with 2 claws; labrum absent or fused with head capsule; maxillary A palps absent [Planipennia: lacewing & antlion larvae] .............Neuroptera

68b. Mandibles and maxillae not as previously described; tarsi with 1-2 claws; labrum and maxillary palps usually present

69a (68b). Head and mouthparts prognathous (= directed forward), the head ca. as long along mid ventral line as along middorsal line and usually cylindrical or a bit flattened

69b. Head and mouthparts hypognathous (= directed ventrally), the head much longer along middorsal line than along midventral line and usually rounded

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70a (69a). Tarsi with 1 claw [some beetle larvae].............. Coleoptera

70b. Tarsi with 2 claws

194

71a (70b). Distinct labrum (= upper lip) and clypeus (= hardened plate on lower face between frons and labium) present [Raphidiodea: snakefly larvae] ............... Neuroptera

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71b. Labrum absent or fused with head capsule [most Adephaga: beetle larvae]..... Coleoptera

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72a (69b). Front legs noticeably smaller than other pairs; middle and hind legs projecting laterally much more than front legs; a small group of ocelli (usually 3) on each side of head behind bases of antennae; tarsal claws absent; length <5 mm; usually found in moss [Boreidae larvae] .............. Mecoptera

72b. Legs not as previously described, front and middle legs ca. same size and position; ocelli variable; tarsi with 1-3 claws; size and habitat variable

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73a (72b). Tarsi with 1-2 claws; abdomen usually without caudal filaments; antennae variable [beetle larvae]...... Coleoptera

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73b. Tarsi usually with 3 claws; abdomen with 2 caudal filaments ca. 1/3rd as long as body (Fig.A ); antennae usually short with 3 segments [triungulin (= active 1st instar) larvae A of some beetles, Meloidae, and twisted-winged parasitoids]............ Coleoptera ..... 152 and ....... Strepsiptera…....217

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74a (28b). Aquatic [fly larvae]..........Diptera

74b. Terrestrial or parasitic (not aquatic)

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75a (74b). Sessile, plant feeding; body covered by a scale or waxy substance; mouthparts for sucking, long and thread-like [female scales]............... Homoptera

75b. Not the same as previously described

222

76a (75b). Head and thorax almost fused, and abdominal segmentation indistinct (Fig.A ); A internal parasitoids of other insects [female twisted-winged parasitoids]............ Strepsiptera .

76b. Head not fused with thorax, body segmentation distinct; habitat variable

77a (76b). Head distinct, sclerotized, and usually pigmented and exserted

77b. Head indistinct, incompletely or not at all sclerotized, sometimes retracted into thorax

78a (77a). Head and mouthparts prognathous (= directed forward), the head ca. as long along midventral line as along middorsal line and usually cylindrical or slightly flattened

78b. Head and mouthparts hypognathous (= directed ventrally), the head much longer along middorsal line than along midventral line and usually rounded

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79a (78a). Terminal abdominal segment with a pair of short pointed processes; several long setae on each body segment (Fig.A ) [flea larvae]... A............. Siphonaptera

79b. Not exactly as previously described

227

80a (79b). Labium with a protruding spinneret (= silk-producing structure); antennae arising from membranous area at bases of mandibles; mandibles well developed, opposable; body usually slightly flattened; ventral prolegs usually with crochets; mostly leaf miners in leaves, bark, or fruits [moth larvae] ...............Lepidoptera

80b. Labium without a spinneret; antennae, if present, arising from head capsule; prolegs without crochets

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81a (80b). Mouthparts distinctly mandibulate, with opposable mandibles; spiracles usually present on thorax and 8 abdominal segments; body shape variable [beetle larvae] ..... Coleoptera

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81b. Mouthparts as previously described or with mouth hooks somewhat parallel and moving vertically; spiracles variable, but usually not as previously described; body elongated [Nematocera & some Brachycera fly larvae]............Diptera

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82a (78b). Abdominal segments usually with 1 or more longitudinal folds laterally or lateroventrally; body C-shaped, scarabaeiform (Fig.A ); 1 pair of spiracles on thorax and usually 8 pairs on abdomen [beetle larvae, white grubs].......... A......... Coleoptera

82b. Abdominal segments without longitudinal folds, or if present, then spiracles not as previously described

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83a (82b). Head with adfrontal areas (= pair of narrow oblique sclerites on head) (as in Fig.A); labium with a projecting spinneret; if present, antennae arise from membranous area at base of mandibles; often 1 or more ocelli (usually 6) on each side of head; ventral prolegs, if present, with crochets [moth larvae]..…........Lepidoptera

83b. Head without adfrontal areas, and labium without a spinneret; antennae and ocelli not as previously described; prolegs, if present, without crochets

118

84a (83b). Mandibles not heavily sclerotized and not brush-like; spiracles usually present on thorax and most abdominal segments, the posterior pair not enlarged; larvae occur in plant tissues as phytophagous parasites, or in cells constructed by adults [Apocrita] ..Hymenoptera

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84b. Mandibles usually brush-like; spiracles usually not as previously described-- if present on several abdominal segments, the posterior pair is much larger than the rest; occur in wet places, in plant tissues, or as internal parasites (Fig.A ) A [fly larvae, mainly Nematocera] ............... Diptera

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85a (77b). Mouthparts mandibulate, with opposable mandibles and maxillae; antennae usually present [beetle larvae] ......….... Coleoptera

85b. Mouthparts reduced or modified, with only the mandibles opposable, or with parallel mouth hooks present; antennae usually absent

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86a (85b). Body behind "head" (first body segment) consisting of 13 segments; full grown larvae usually with a sclerotized ventral plate ("breast bone") located ventrally behind head [Cecidomyiidae larvae]............ Diptera

86b. Body with fewer segments than previously described; no "breast bone"

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87a (86b). Mouthparts consist of 1-2 (if 2 then parallel, not opposable) median, dark colored, down curved mouth hooks [Cyclorrhapha maggots].............. Diptera

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87b. Mandibles opposable, but at times reduced, without mouth hooks as described previously [Apocrita larvae] ................ Hymenoptera

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Diptera

(for muscoid flies see Figs C-D wing venation)

88a (8a, 29a & 38b). Antennae moniliform, 6-39 segments, longer than thorax

88b. Antennae with 3-4 segments, ring-like segments may be present; antennae shorter than thorax

89a (88a). Costa (= longitudinal wing vein) extends completely around wing, occasionally weakened behind

89b. Costa does not reach to or extend only slightly beyond wing tip

90a (89a). Mesonotal suture (= dorsal sclerite of mesothorax) transverse, not V-shaped

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90b. Mesonotum with an entire V-shaped suture; females with long sclerotized ovipositor (Figs.A-B ) (larvae are predators of aquatic or semiaquatic arthropods) A ....... ( Diptera) Tipulidae

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91a (90a). Ocelli present and/or venation reduced; eyes meet above antennae; wing not scaly (Figs.A-C) A (larvae are predators of Homoptera & mites) .…........ (Diptera) Cecidomyiidae

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91b. Ocelli absent; probosis extends far beyond clypeus; wing venation strong; wing veins and margin covered with scales, usually also on body (Figs.A-G ) (larvae of some species are predators of aquatic arthropods).................(Diptera) Culicidae

92a (89b). Ocelli absent

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92b. Ocelli present; tibiae with apical spurs; discal cell in wing (= enlarged cell in basal or central part of wing) absent (Figs.A-C ) A (larvae spin webs & feed on entrapped arthropods) ............. (Diptera) Mycetophilidae

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93a (92a). Head rounded behind, mouthparts piercing; metanotum short and rounded, without a longitudinal groove (Fig.A ) A (adults are blood-suckers; larvae are predators) .................. (Diptera) Ceratopogonidae

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93b. Head flat behind, mouthparts without mandibles, not piercing ;metanotum long, with a median longitudinal groove (Figs.A-B ) (most are predators, one species parasitizes mayflies) ........... (Diptera) Chironomidae

94a (88b). Empodium (= pad or bristlelike structure at apex of last tarsal segment between the claws) developed lobelike, the 3 pads almost equal

94b. Empodium hair-like or absent

95a (94a). Third antennal segment compound, composed of ring-like segments

95b. Third antennal segment simple, frequently bearing an elongated style or arista

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96a (95a). Tegula (= scale-like structure overlying front wing base) large and conspicuous female abdomen large (Figs.A-F ) A (adults are blood-suckers; larvae are predators of aquatic arthropods) ........... (Diptera) Tabanidae

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96b. Tegula small or vestigial; tibial spurs usually absent (Figs.A-F ) (larvae are predators of arthropods in several habitats) ............... (Diptera) Stratiomyiidae

97a. Tegula small or vestigal

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97b. Tegula large, covering haltere; head very small, positioned low down and composed almost entirely of compound eyes; body humpbacked (Fig.A ) A (parasitoids of spiders) ..........… (Diptera) Acroceridae

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98a (97a). Tibiae without apical spurs; wing venation intricate with many veins ending before wing tip (Figs.A-B ) (parasitoids of grasshoppers).... A. .... (Diptera) Nemestrinidae

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98b. At least middle tibia with apical spurs; antennae have long terminal style; wing venation normal, not complex (Figs.A-B ) (both adults and larvae are predators of other arthropods) ............ (Diptera) Rhagionidae

100

99a (94b). Wing with 2 or more submarginal cells (vein R-4+5 forked); 3-4 posterior cells

106

99b. Wing with only one submarginal cell or none at all (vein R-4+5 not forked)

101

100a (99a). Front strongly concave at vertex

102

100b. Front not concave between eyes, vertex flat or convex

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101a (100a). Three ocelli present; palpi normally prominent; proboscis adapted for piercing (Figs.A-E ); top of head hollowed out between eyes; abdomen tapering or oval; lobe A (alula) usually at base of wing (both larvae & adults are predators) …... (Diptera) .. Asilidae

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101b. One ocellus or none present; antennae with 4 segments; palpi vestigial; proboscis with fleshy labellae (= exposed tip of labium); large flies (Figs.A-C ) (both larvae & adults are predators) ............ (Diptera) Mydaidae

103

102a (100b). Costa continues around wing

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102b. Costa reaches only to wing apex; 4th vein (M-1) ends before wing tip; 3 posterior cells (Figs.A-B ) (larvae are predators of larvae of Coleoptera).. A..... (Diptera) Scenopinidae

104

103a (102a). Wing has 5 posterior cells

105

103b. Wing has at most 4 posterior cells

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104a (103a). Fourth vein (M-1) ends beyond apex of wing (Figs.A-C ) (larvae & adults are A predators of other arthropods) ............. (Diptera) Therevidae

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104b. Fourth vein (M-1) ends before apex of wing (Fig.A ) (both adults & larvae are predators of other arthropods; rare in arid regions of western North America) ..... (Diptera) Apioceridae

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105a (103b). Anal cell open or closed near wing margin; antennal style short, never longer than 3rd antennal segment; body usually hairy, stocky and somewhat humpbacked; brown or grayish flies (Figs.A-C) (parasitize a variety of immature arthropods; most common in southwestern United States)....... A......... (Diptera) Bombyliidae

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105b. Anal cell short and closed far from wing margin; anal vein does not reach wing margin; antennal style (= bristle) usually longer than 3rd antennal segment; body usually bare, slender and black (Fig.A ) (predators of small arthropods) ....................... (Diptera) Empididae

107

106a (99b). Wing normal, not obviously rounded apically; venation normal

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106b. Wing rounded apically; veins very well developed anteriorly; antennae appear one- segmented with long arista (= bristle on apical segment); long hind legs and flattened femora; body humpbacked (Fig.A ) (parasitoids of ant pupae, larvae & pupae of Lepidoptera & Hymenoptera; some species are predators ... A ............. (Diptera) Phoridae

108

107a (106a). Spurious vein (= vein-like thickening of wing membrane between 2 true veins) in wing absent; anal cell usually short

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107b. Spurious vein in wing present; anal cell long, closed near wing margin; body brightly colored; they resemble bees or wasps) (Figs.A-E) (predators of Homoptera) A .......... (Diptera) Syrphidae

109

108a (107a). Frontal lanule (= crescent-shaped sclerite above base of antennae) completely absent

111

108b. Frontal lunule present as a crescent-shaped sclerite above antennae

110

109a (108a). Head normal, not exceptionally large; front and face usually wide

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109b. Head large, hemispherical; front and face narrow; probosis small and soft; body stocky and humpbacked, brown or grayish (Figs.A-B ) (parasitoids of treehoppers & leafhoppers) …..A..…. (Diptera) Pipunculidae

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110a (109a). Crossvein r-m located beyond basal 1/4th of wing; anal cell pointed apically; proboscis usually rigid; body not metallic; %% genitalia terminal, not folded under abdomen (Fig.A ); relatively slender and usually black flies (adults and larvae are A ..predaceous on smaller insects) (please also refer to couplet 105)..….......... (Diptera) Empididae

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110b. Crossvein r-m located in basal 1/4th of wing; 2nd basal and discal cells united; anal cell when present rounded apically; body usually metallic; %% genitalia frequently folded forward under abdomen (Fig.A ) (predators of small arthropods) ............. (Diptera) Dolichopodidae

112

111a (108b). Second antennal segment with a lateral subdorsal longitudinal seam; thorax with a complete transverse suture; calypter (= lobe at wing base) large

115

111b. Second antennal segment without a longitudinal seam; thorax without a complete transverse suture; calypter small or rudimentary

113

112a (111a). Hypopleural bristles (rather vertical row usually above hind coxae) present

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112b. Hypopleural bristles absent; 3rd (R-5) and 4th (M-1) veins almost parallel at wing tip or 4th vein bends forward; undersurface of scutellum with fine erect hairs (Figs.A-B ) A (predators of dipterous larvae)....(Diptera) Anthomyiidae

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113a (112a). Postscutellum developed; hypopleura with strong bristles; eyes usually bare; body of && large, variously colored, but usually blackish (Figs.A-G ) (parasitoids of many types of insects)..... A ....... (Diptera) Tachinidae

114

113b. Postscutellum not developed; hypopleura with a row of bristles

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114a (113b). Body usually gray with 3 black stripes on mesonotum, bare but not metallic; usually 4 notopleural bristles; arista usually plumose (= featherlike) in basal half A (Figs.A-B ) (parasitoids of grasshoppers & other arthropods) .... (Diptera) Sarcophagidae

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114b. Body usually metallic, usually 2 (rarely 3) notopleural bristles; arista usually plumose beyond basal half (Figs.A-D ) (generally predaceous......…… (Diptera) Calliphoridae

116

115a (111b). Proboscis shorter than head; head never broader than thorax; first posterior cell not quite narrowed apically

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115b. Proboscis longer than head, slender and rigit, often folding; head wider than thorax; first posterior cell narrowed or closed apically; abdomen clavate (= club-like), bent downward at apex (Figs.A-B ) (parasitoids of wild bees)..... A. ....... (Diptera) Conopidae

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116a (115a). Costa broken at humeral crossvein; wings without pattern; postcellar bristle divergent, if absent, arista is also absent (Fig.A )...... A......... (Diptera) Agromyzidae

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116b. Eyes oval horizontally, 2X as long as high; costa not broken; postocellar bristles converge or are absent, if absent, arista present; body grayish with yellowish markings on lateral thorax and abdomen and on front (Fig.A ) (predators of mites & Homoptera)............ (Diptera) Chamaemyidae

[Skip couplet 117a/117b]

Parasitic and Predatory Hymenoptera

119

118a (15a, 41a, 67b & 84a). Last sternite (= ventral plate) of female abdomen divided longitudinally; ovipositor issues from anterior to tip of abdomen and has a pair of exserted sheathes capable of covering ovipositor tip; hind wing usually without lobes

126

118b. Last sternite of && abdomen not divided longitudinally; ovipositor (or sting) issues from the tip of abdomen and without a pair of exserted sheathes; hind wing often with an anal lobe

120

119a (118a). Wing venation well developed; stigma (= thickening of wing membrane along costal border) well developed; hind trochanter with 2 segments........Hymenoptera)........... (Ichneumonoidea & Evanioidea )

122

119b. Wing venation reduced; stigma absent or poorly developed; trochanter with 1 segment

121

120a (119a). Costal cell absent; antennae with 16 or more segments (Figs.A-B )... Wing Types ..... A. ....... (Hymenoptera) (Ichneumonoidea )

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120b. Costal cell present; antennae with fewer than 16 segments; abdomen short with long petiole arising on propodeum (= posterior part of thorax that is actually 1st abdominal segment), far above bases of hind coxae (Figs.A-B ) (parasitoids of cockroach egg capsules) ........... (Hymenoptera) (Evanioidea) Evaniidae

122

121a (120a). Wing with one or no recurrent veins; propodeum not prolonged beyond hindcoxae

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121b. Wing with 2 recurrent veins (= transverse veins posterior to cubital vein) or the abdomen is 3X the body length (Figs.A-C ) (parasitoids of numerous insect orders ) A ........ (Hymenoptera) (Ichneumonoidea) Ichneumonidae

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122a (121a). Abdominal terga 2 & 3 not fused (Fig.A ) (parasitoids of aphids) .(Hymenoptera) …A ....... (Ichneumonoidea) Braconidae (Aphidiinae)

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122b. Abdominal terga 2 & 3 fused or the cubitus (= longitudinal vein just posterior to medial) in fore wing arises from the radial cell (Figs.A-F ) (parasitoids of many kinds of hosts, excluding aphids) ..........(Hymenoptera) (Ichneumonoidea) Braconidae

124

123a (119b). Pronotum extends to tegula; antennae not geniculate (= elbow-shaped) ; body often compressed .............. (Hymenoptera) (Cynipoidea )

248

123b. Pronotum does not reach tegula; prepectus (= area along anterior ventral margin of mesepisternum outlined by a suture) present; antennae geniculate, with one or more proximal segments of flagellum often reduced to ring-like segments; abdominal segment behind propodeum always in form of a petiole, although not always clear......(Hymenoptera) (Chalcidoidea )

125

124a (123a). Largest segment of abdomen (side view) tergites 2 or 3 and never more than one short tergite in front of the largest tergite

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124b. Largest segment of abdomen (side view) tergites 4, 5 or 6, with at least 2, 3 or 4 short tergites behind petiole and preceding the largest tergite; abdomen very compressed laterally; ovipositor curved under "membranous flap" (Fig.A ) (parasitoids of sawflies A in family Siricidae)........... (Hymenoptera) (Cynipoidea) Ibaliidae

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125a (124a). Tergite 2 longest and usually forming at least 1/2 the abdomen; radial cell open (except in Charips) and petiole without enlarged ring bearing longitudinal striations (gall-formers and hyperparasitoids in aphids). If radial cell is closed and petiole has striated ring, then tergites 2 & 3 are fused into a single saddle-shaped tergite that covers entire abdomen (Figs.A-C ) (Synergus inquilines in oak galls)........ A .. (Hymeoptera) (Cynipoidea) Cynipidae [also see fly-par.htm ]

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125b. Tergite 2 clearly forming less than 1/2 of abdomen; radial cell closed; petiole with slightly enlarged ring structure bearing longitudinal striations; mesopleura without spines or scratches (Figs.A-B ) (parasitoids of Diptera) ....... (Hymenoptera) (Cynipoidea) Figitidae [also see fly-par.htm ]

127

126a (118b). Pronotum almost reaches or does reach tegula, but lacks a rounded lobe on lateral margin

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126b. Pronotum short, does not reach tegula, with lateral rounded lobe; body hairs not branched (Figs.A-L )...... A. ....... (Hymenoptera) (Sphecoidea ) Sphecidae

128

127a (126a). Venation of fore wing well developed; hind wing with veins or a basal lobe

137

127b. Venation of fore wing reduced; hind wing not lobed...(Hymenoptera) (Proctotrupoidea )

129

128a (127a). Venation of hind wing reduced, lacking closed cells ..(Hymenoptera) (Bethyloidea )

131

128b. Venation of hind wing not reduced, with at least one closed cell

130

129a (128a). Antennae with 12-13 segments; tarsi normal

---

129b. Antennae with 10 segments; fore tarsi of females often pincer-like (Figs.A-C)... (parasitoids of leafhoppers) ....A......(Hymenoptera) (Bethyloidea) Dryinidae

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130a (129a). Abdomen with 3 or less visible tergites (4 in male Parnopes); abdominal sternites concave; body metallic green or blue (Figs.A-F ) (parasitoids of wasps) ....... A. ........... (Hymenoptera) (Bethyloidea) Chrysididae

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130b. Abdomen with 6 (females) or 7 (males) tergites; sternites convex; body not metallic (Figs.A-C) (parasitoids of Coleoptera & Lepidoptera)............ (Hymenoptera) (Bethyloidea) Bethylidae

132

131a (128b). Petiole without nodes or node-like swellings

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131b. Petiole medially with nodes or node-like swellings; antennae geniculate (Figs.A-E ) (general predators)....... A....... (Hymenoptera) (Formicoidea ) Formicidae

133

132a (131a). First discoidal cell shorter than submedian cell; fore wings rarely folded

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132b. First discoidal cell much longer than submedian cell; fore wings when at rest folded longitudinally (Figs.A-D) (general predators)...... A....(Hymenoptera) (Vespoidea ) Vespidae

134

133a (132a). Mesopleuron not divided by an oblique suture; hind femur does not extend to tip of abdomen

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133b. Mesopleuron divided by an oblique suture; hind femur extends to tip of abdomen; mid tibia with 2 apical spurs (Figs.A-D ) (parasitoids of spiders) ...... A.........(Hymenoptera) (Pompiloidea ) Pompilidae

135

134a (133a). Mesosternum and metasternum separate, not forming a single large plate; wings without wrinkles

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134b. Mesosternum and metasternum form a flat plate divided by a sinuous transverse suture; fore wing with fine longitudinal wrinkles beyond the closed cells (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of Scarabaeidae)...... A........(Hymenoptera) (Scolioidea ) Scoliidae

136

135a (134a). Mesosternum simple, without appendages

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135b. Mesosternum with 2 laminae which overlay or project between the bases of the middle coxae, extending to midline; spur on tip of abdomen (Figs.A-B ) (parasitoids of Scarabaeidae)..... A..... (Hymenoptera) (Tiphioidea ) .. Tiphiidae

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136a (135a). Body bare or nearly so; hind wing with a prominent separated lobe at the anal angle (Figs.A-B ) (parasitoids of bees). ... A...... (Hymenoptera) (Tiphioidea) Sapygidae

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136b. Body almost always obviously hairy; hind wing of %% without a lobe at the anal angle; 2 spurs on tip of abdomen (Figs.A-C ) (parasitoids of Hymenoptera .......... (Hymenoptera) (Tiphioidea) Mutillidae

138

137a (127b). Antennae inserted near clypeus

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137b. Antennae inserted near middle of face on a shelf-like protuberance; fore wing with stigma (Figs.A-C ) (parasitoids of Diptera).... A..... (Hymenoptera) (Proctotrupoidea ) Diapriidae [also see fly-par.htm ]

139

138a (137a). Abdomen sharply margined at sides

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138b. Abdomen rounded laterally; marginal vein usually stigmated (Fig.A ) (parasitoids of insects in several orders...A....(Hymenoptera) (Ceraphronoidea ) Ceraphronidae

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139a (138a). Fore wing with a marginal and stigmal vein (Figs.A-C) (parasitoids of insect eggs) ......A ..... (Hymenoptera) (Proctotrupoidea) Scelionidae

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139b. Fore wing without marginal and stigmal veins (Figs.A-C) (most parasitoids of Diptera & Homoptera) ...... (Hymenoptera) (Proctotrupoidea) Platygastridae

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Hemiptera / Heteroptera:

141

140a. (19a & 40a). Antennae short, usually concealed.....(Hemiptera / Heteroptera) suborder Cryptocerata (= aquatic bugs)

144

140b. Antennae longer than previously described, at least as long as head, not concealed .(Hemiptera Heteroptera) suborder Gymnocerata (= terrestrial bugs)

142

141a (140a). Hind tarsi with claws

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141b. Hind tarsi without claws, hind tarsi only flattened (Fig.A ) (general predators) ..A...... Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Notonectidae

143

142a (141a). Membrane of hemelytra without veins

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142b. Membrane of hemelytra (= front wings) with veins (Fig.A) (predators of other aquatic arthropods) . A...... (Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Belostomatidae

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143a (142a). Eyes strongly protruding; toad-like (Fig.A ) (general predators)....A......... Hmiptera / Heteroptera) ........Gelastocoridae

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143b. Eyes flattened to form one smooth surface with head (Fig.A ) (general predators)…(Hemiptera / Heteroptera) ---.... Naucoridae

145

144a (140b). Fore legs relatively short and slender compared to other legs; tarsal claws anteapical (especially obvious on fore legs)

146

144b. Fore legs not noticeably shorter than other legs; if so, then fore legs thick and modified for grasping; tarsal claws apical

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145a (144a). Hind femora extend well beyond apex of abdomen; middle legs arise closer to hind than to fore legs (Fig.A ) (general predators) ........ A.......(Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Gerridae

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145b. Hind femora extend little if any beyond apex of abdomen; if middle legs arise close to hind legs than to fore legs, then fore tarsi have only 1 segment (Fig.A) (general predators) .......... Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Vellidae

147

146a (144b). Antennae with 4 segments

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146b. Antennae with 5 segments (Figs.A-D ) (mostly phytophagous, but some species are general predators)........ A....... emiptera / Heteroptera) Pentatomidae

148

147a (146a). Absence of pad-like arolium at base of each tarsal claw, of if present, fore legs are modified for grasping prey (raptorial)

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147b. Pad-like arolium present; membrane of hemelytron with only 4-5 veins (Figs.A-B ) (predatory & phytophagous)..... A.......(Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Lygaeidae

149

148a (147a). Fore legs not raptorial; without a presternal groove

151

148b. Fore legs not raptorial

150

149a (148a). Proboscis with 3 segments; cuneus absent; ocelli present

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149b. Proboscis with 4 segments; cuneus present; ocelli absent (Figs.A-C ) (a few general predatory species) .....A....... (Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Miridae

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150a (149a). Hemelytra with a cuneus (= triangular apical part of thickened portion of wing); 0.5-5.0 mm. long (Figs.A-C ) (general predators) .... A....(Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Anthocoridae

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150b. Hemelytra without a cuneus; length variable; membrane of hemelytra with 4-5 closed cells (Fig.A ) (general predators) ......... (Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Saldidae

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151a (148b). Prosternum with a groove to receive proboscis; proboscis with 3 segments (Figs.A-B ) (general predators).......... A........(Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Reduviidae

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151b. Prosternum without a groove; proboscis usually with 4 segments (Figs.A-C ) (general predators) ...........(Hemiptera / Heteroptera) Nabidae

Major Families of Adult Predatory & Parasitic Coleoptera:

153

152a (27a, 51b, 54a & 73b). Head not prolonged into a beak; gular sutures (= longitudinal sutures demarking sclerite on ventral side of head) double, at least anteriorly and posteriorly

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152b. Head usually prolonged into a beak; gular sutures fused or lacking; antennae not elbowed; elytra cover base of pygidium (= last dorsal segment of abdomen) (Figs.A-C ) (predators of Coccidae)....... A. ......(Coleoptera) Anthribidae

154

153a (152a). First abdominal sternite divided by the hind coxal cavities ......... (Coleoptera) (Adephaga)

158

153b. First abdominal sternite not interrupted by hind coxal cavities............. (Coleoptera) (Polyphaga)

155

154a (153a). Abdomen with 6 or more visible sternites; antennae filiform

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154b. Abdomen with only 4 visible sternites; antennae very much thickened apically, clavate or laminate (Fig.A ) (predators of ants)... ..... A........(Coleoptera) Paussidae

156

155a (154a). Eyes entire, not divided; antennae elongated, slender......... (Coleoptera) Caraboidea)

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155b. Eyes divided, appear as 2 pairs; antennae short and somewhat clubbed; front legs elongated and slender (Figs.A-B ) (predators of aquatic arthropods). ......A.........(Coleoptera) (Gyrinoidea) Gyrinidae

157

156a (155a). Metasternum with a distinct transverse suture demarking a triangular antecoxal suture

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156b. Metasternum without a transverse suture or antecoxal sclerite; body smooth and hard; hind legs flattened and fringed with long hairs (Figs.A-C ) (predators of aquatic arthropods)...... A.........(Coleoptera) Dytiscidae

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157a (156a). Antennae inserted on front above base of mandibles; clypeus extends laterally beyond the base of antennae; often brightly colored insects (Figs.A-C ) (general predators) ........A....…...(Coleoptera) Cicindelidae

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157b. Antennae inserted on side of head between base of mandible and eye; clypeus does not extend laterally beyond base of antennae; most are dark, shiny and flattened (Figs.A-F) (general predators)......... (Coleoptera) Carabidae

159

158a (153b). Antennae usually not clubbed, but if so, segments are not lamellate

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158b. Antennae with the last 3-7 segments enlarged, club-like; body heavy, oval or elongated and usually convex (Figs.A-F) (considered predators of grasshopper egg pods). ...... .A.... (Coleoptera) Scarabaeidae

160

159a (158a). Hind tarsi with 4 segments, front and middle tarsi with 5 segments

166

159b. Hind tarsi with at least as many segments as fore and middle tarsi

161

160a (159a). Front coxal cavities closed behind

162

160b. Front coxal cavities open behind

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161a (160a). Abdominal sternites freely movable (%% only; also refer to couplet 182); abdomen tip exposed beyond elytra; last tarsal segment elongated, others are short (Figs.A-D ) (predators)........A…(Coleoptera) Rhizophagidae

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161b. First 2-4 abdominal sternites somewhat fused or immovable; eyes usually notched; most are black or brownish (Figs.A-H ) (predators).......... (Coleoptera) Tenebrionidae

163

162a (160b). Head very much and abruptly constricted behind eyes

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162b. Head not much and suddenly constricted behind eyes .......(Coleoptera) Pythidae

164

163a (162a). Prothorax usually rounded on sides, without a sharp lateral margin

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163b. Prothorax with a sharp lateral margin; body somewhat humpbacked, with head bent down; abdomen pointed apically, extending beyond tips of elytra (Figs.A-B ) (may be predators) ........A........(Coleoptera) Mordellidae

165

164a (163a). Base of prothorax narrower than elytra

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164b. Base of prothorax as wide as elytra; antennae pectinate (= comb-like); abdomen blunt (Figs.A-B ) (parasitoids of Hymenoptera) .........A........Coleoptera) Rhipiphoridae

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165a (164a). Hind coxae large and prominent; elytra soft and flexible; pronotum narrower than either head or elytra (Figs.A-F ) (parasitoids of Hymenoptera) ........A........ (Coleoptera) Meloidae

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165b. Hind coxae transverse (= at right angles to longitudinal axis), not prominent; head constricted behind eyes; ant-like in appearance (Figs.A-B ) (general predators)......... Coleoptera) Anthicidae

167

166a (159b). Maxillary palpi much shorter than antennae

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166b. Maxillary palpi as long as, or longer than, antennae; short clubbed antennae; body oval (Figs.A-B ) (general predators ... .. A........(Coleoptera) Hydrophilidae

168

167a (166a). Elytra cover most of abdomen, not short

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167b. Elytra short, exposing much of abdomen; 6-7 visible abdominal sterna; well-developed hind wings, folded when at rest (Figs.A-F) (general predators & some parasitoids of Diptera ........A….... (Coleoptera) Staphylinidae [Also see Staphylinidae Identification]

169

168a (167a). Tarsi with 5 segments on at least one pair of legs, usually on all legs

191

168b. All tarsi with less than 5 segments

.170

169a (168a). Abdomen with at least 6 sternites

178

169b. Abdomen with 5 or less sternites

171

170a (169a). Front coxae conical, large and prominent

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170b. Front coxae globular, small and not prominent; body louse-like, brownish (Fig.A ) (general predators) ......... A .........(Coleoptera) Leptinidae

172

171a (170a). Abdomen with 6 sternites visible

175

171b. Abdomen with 7-8 sternites visible

173

172a (171a). Hind coxae not grooved

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172b. Hind coxae grooved for reception of femora; orange antennae (also see couplet 189) (Figs.A-C ) (parasitoids of cicadas)..... A......... (Coleoptera) Rhipiceridae

174

173a (172a). Hind coxae prominent, at least internally

---

173b. Hind coxae flat, not prominent; body pubescent and often brightly colored (also see couplet 188) (Figs.A-I ) (general predators) ........... A..........(Coleoptera) Cleridae

---

174a (173a). Tibial spurs large; body often brightly colored and relatively large (Figs.A-G ) (general predators) ....... A........ (Coleoptera) Silphidae

---

174b. Tibial spurs small, indistinct (general predators)......... (Coleoptera) Melyridae (Malachiidae)

176

175a (171b). Middle coxae touching each other

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175b. Middle coxae separated, not touching each other; net-like lines on elytra (Figs.A-B ) (general predators) ....... A. ........ (Coleoptera) Lycidae

177

176a (175a). Antennae inserted on the upper part of the front or at the base of its anterior lobe.

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176b. Antennae inserted at the side of front, before eye (Fig.A ) (general predators) ........ A ......... .(Coleoptera) Drilidae

---

177a (176a). Head almost completely covered by prothorax; many species with illuminescent organs (Figs.A-B ) (predators of snails)......... .A..........(Coleoptera) Lampyridae

---

177b. Head not at all covered by prothorax; no light producing organs (Figs.A-C ) (general predators) ...... (Coleoptera) Cantharidae

---

177c. Head not covered by prothorax, adult females often wingless & luminescent (Figs.A-B ) (glow worms; larvae predaceous on other arthropods) .....….. (Coleoptera) Phenogodidae

179

178a (169b). Front coxae globular or transverse

189

178b. Front coxae somewhat conical and prominent

180

179a (178a). Front coxae transverse, somewhat cylindrical

184

179b. Front coxae globular

181

180a (179a). Hind coxae grooved to receive femora.

182

180b. Hind coxae flat, not grooved

---

181a (180a). Front coxae without a distinctly separated side piece; some species with enlarged hind femora (Figs.A-B ) (general predators)....... .A ......... (Coleoptera) Helodidae

---

181b. Front coxae with a distinct side piece (trochantin); body pubescent (Fig.A ) (general predators). ….. (Coleoptera) Dascillidae

183

182a (180b). Tarsi somewhat dilated, 1st segment not shortened

---

182b. Tarsi slender, the metatarsus very short; body oval or elliptical; pronotum rather closely joined to base of elytra (Fig.A ) (general predators)..... .A.........(Coleoptera) Ostomatidae

---

183a (182a). Maxillae with only a single lobe (Figs.A-E ) (general predators)....... .A ........ Coleoptera) Nitidulidae

---

183b. Maxillae with both an inner and an outer lobe; abdomen tip exposed beyond elytra; last tarsal segment elongated, others are short (Fig.A ) (also see couplet 160) .......... (Coleoptera) Rhizophagidae

185

184a (179b). Prosternum without a median process.

---

184b. Prosternum prolonged behind into a median process that is received into the mesosternum; posterior corners of pronotum prolonged posteriorily into sharp points; able to click and jump (Figs.A-C ) (general predators) .........A.... ...... (Coleoptera) Elateridae

186

185a (184a). Hind coxae not in contact with each other, although they may be close together in some species

---

185b. Hind coxae in contact with each other; body oval, shining and convex, usually brownish (Figs.A-B ) (predators of aphids)... ..... A .........(Coleoptera) Phalacridae

187

186a (185a). Elytra entire, covering the pygidium

---

186b. Elytra short, cut off square at apex, leaving at least 2 segments of abdomen exposed (Figs.A-B ) (general predators)...... A ....... (Coleoptera) Histeridae

188

187a (186a). Antennae with 10-11 segments; body flattened

---

187b. Antennae with only 2 segments (Fig.A ) (general predators) ..... A .. (Coleoptera) Ectrephidae

---

188a (187a). Maxillae covered by corneous plates (Fig.A ) (often included in Cucujidae)..... A.....(Coleoptera) Cucujidae (old Passandridae).

---

188b. Maxillae exposed (Fig.A ) (general predators) ......... (Coleoptera) Cucujidae

190

189a (178b). Hind coxae dilated into plates which are grooved to receive femora

---

189b. Hind coxae not grooved; body pubescent and often brightly colored (also see couplet 172) (Figs.A-I ). ........ A......... (Coleoptera) Cleridae

---

190a (189a). Antennae short with last 3 segments much enlarged forming a strong club; median ocellus present (Figs.A-F ) (general predators)........ .A ..... (Coleoptera) Dermestidae

---

190b. Antennae not club-shaped; orange in color (also see couplet 171) (Figs.172b -A-C) ......... (Coleoptera) Rhipiceridae

192

191a (168b). Tarsi with 3 segments

193

191b. Tarsi with 4 segments

---

192a (191a). Second segment of tarsi dilated; body small, oval, convex and brightly colored (Fig.A ) (predators of Homoptera) .......... A…..... (Coleoptera) Coccinellidae

---

192b. Second segment of tarsi not dilated (Fig.A ) ....... (Coleoptera) Lathridiidae

---

193a (191b). Abdominal sternites all free and movable; body hairy, often brightly colored (Figs.A-B ) (general predators).........A. ........ (Coleoptera) Mycetophagidae

---

193b. Abdominal sternites Nos. 1-4 firmly united; body hard, shiny (Figs.A-B ) (general predators) ......... (Coleoptera) Colydiidae

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Neuroptera:

195

194a (16a, 49a, 50a, 68a, 71a & 84a). Head hypognathous (= head and mouthparts projecting downward); hind wing not folded fan-like when at rest

196

194b. Head prognathous (= head and mouthparts directed forward); hind wing folded fan-like when not in use ........... (Neuroptera) (Sialodea)

197

195a (194a). Antennae usually filiform (= thread-like); ovipositor not exserted ..(Neuroptera) (Planipennia).

216

195b. Antennae setiform; ovipositor exserted.......... (Neuroptera) (Raphidiodea)

---

196a (194b). Ocelli absent; 4th segment of tarsi bilobed (Figs.A-B ). .. .A ... (Neuroptera) ….. Sialidae

---

196b. With 3 ocelli present; 4th segment of tarsi not bilobed (Fig.A ).......(Neuroptera) Corydalidae

198

197a (195a). Veins and usually cross veins abundant; wings without whitish powder

---

197b. Veins and crossveins less in number; wings covered with whitish powder (Fig.A ) (mite predators)...... A ............. (Neuroptera) Coniopterigidae

---

198a (197a). Large moth-like species; costal area of fore wing not broad; head small and closely set on prothorax; antennae long, filiform (= thread-like), with 40-50 segments (Figs.A & C ) ....... A. ….....(Neuroptera) Ithonidae

199

198b. Not as previously described

200

199a (198b). Antennae never enlarged apically, moniliform (= bead-like), filiform (= thread- like), or rarely pectinate (= comb-like)

.212

199b. Antennae at least thickly cylindrical, usually enlarged towards apex

201

200a (199a). Hind wings not longer than fore wings, the 2 pairs similar in form and venation

---

200b. Hind wings greatly elongated and ribbon-like, often with widened, spoon-like ends .... A ... (Figs.A-C )... .. (Neuroptera) Nemopteridae

202

201a (200a). Front legs not raptorial

---

201b. Front legs raptorial (Figs.A-C )..... A....... (Neuroptera) Mantispidae

203

202a (201a). Fore wing with 2 or more branches of R-s arising from the apparently fused stems of R-1 and R-s

205

202b. Fore wing with all branches of R-s arising from a single sector

204

203a (202a). Antennae moniliform in both sexes; ocelli absent; ovipositor not exserted

---

203b. Antennae pectinate in males; ocellus-like tubercle present; ovipositor exserted........ Neuroptera) Dilaridae

---

204a (203a). Fore wing with 3 or more branches of R-s present, veins R-4 and R-5 arising separately, some costal veins forked (Fig.A ) (general predators) ..... .A. ......(Neuroptera) Hemerobiidae

---

204b. Fore wing with apparently 2 radial sectors (R-s), one of which is R-2+3 and the other R4+5 .......... (Neuroptera) Sympherobiidae

---

205a (202b). Large moth-like species; costal area of fore wing very broad; the S-c, R-1 and R-s are closely parallel....... (Figs.A-B ) .......A.….. (Neuroptera) Psychopsidae

206

205b. Not as previously described

207

206a (205b). Ocelli absent

---

206b. Ocelli present (Figs.A-B ).......A….... .(Neuroptera) Osmylidae

---

207a (206a). Humeral cross vein forming a recurrent vein; discal area of wings distinct from costal and marginal areas by series of cross veins; S-c and R-1 fused apically (Fig.A )....... .A....... (Neuroptera) Polystoechotidae

208

207b. Humeral cross vein not forming a recurrent vein; discal area of wings not differentiated from marginal area

209

208a (207b). Vertex (= top of head) flattened

---

208b. Vertex convex (Fig.A )........A........... (Neuroptera) Sisyridae

210

209a (208a). Costal cross veins not forked

211

209b. Costal cross veins forked

---

210a (209a). Wings of nearly equal width, fore wing with all branches of R-s arising from a single sector (Figs.A-E ). ........A......... (Neuroptera) Chrysopidae

---

210b. Fore wing distinctly wider than hind wing (Fig.A )........ (Neuroptera) Apochrysidae

---

211a (209b). Fore wing with S-c and R fused before wing tip; seed-like scales often present on wings (Figs.A-B ) ........A........ (Neuroptera) Berothidae

---

211b. Fore wings with S-c and R not fused apically; hairs of body and wing conspicuously long (Fig.A )........Neuroptera) Trichomatidae

---

212a (199b). Wings about 1/3rd as wide as long; costal area wide (Fig.A ) .....A...... (Neuroptera) Myiodactylidae

213

212b. Wings much narrower than above

214

213a (212b). Antennae quite distinctly club-like or flattened, subcostal cell without cross vein

---

213b. Antennae elongated cylindrical; subcostal area with many cross veins (Figs.A-B ) ….A...... (Neuroptera) Nymphidae

215

214a (213a). Antennae about as long as head and thorax

---

214b. Antennae longer, slender and strongly clubbed (Figs.A-B ).....A....... (Neuroptera) Ascalaphidae

---

215a (214a). Antennae weakly clubbed, knobbed, or flattened apically; abdomen long and slender; body and wings pubescent ....... (Figs.A-D ) ......A ....... (Neuroptera) Myrmeleontidae

---

215b. Antennae strongly clubbed; abdomen and wings shiny. ........ (Neuroptera) Stilbopterygidae

---

216a (195b). Ocelli present (Fig.A )..........A............ (Neuroptera) Raphidiidae

---

216b. Ocelli absent (Fig.A ) .......... (Neuroptera) Inocellidae

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Strepsiptera:

(Adults ) (Immatures ) (Separate Key)

Males (for Females go to 222)

218

217a (5a & 73b). Tarsi with fewer than 5 segments and clawless

---

217b. Tarsi with 5 segments and clawed (Fig.A )......A.........(Strepsiptera) Mengenillidae (Mengeidae)

219

218a (217a). Tarsi with 4 segments

221

218b. Tarsi with 2-3 segments

220

219a (218a). Antennae with less than 7 segments

---

219b. Antennae with 7 segments (Fig.A ) .....A... .(Strepsiptera) Myrmecolacidae

---

220a (219a). Third and 4th antennal segments laterally fan-like........ ( Strepsiptera) Callipharixenidae

---

220b. Only 3rd antennal segment laterally fan-like (Figs.A-C ). .…A.......(Strepsiptera) Stylopidae

---

221a (218b). Tarsi with 2 segments; antennae with 4 segments (Figs.A-B ) ........A.......... (Strepsiptera) Elenchidae

---

221b. Tarsi with 3 segments; antennae with 7 segments (Figs.A-D )........... (Strepsiptera) Halictophagidae

223

222a (58a & 76a). Adult stage partially endoparasitic, without legs, antennae or eyes

---

222b. Adult stage free-living, with legs, antennae and eyes (Figs.A-B ). A.(Strepsiptera) Mengenillidae (Mengeidae)

Females (for Males go to 217)

224

223a (222a). Cephalothorax (= head + thorax) without hook-like projections behind spiracles

---

223b. Cephalothorax with hook-like projections behind spiracles......… (Strepsiptera) . Stichotrematidae

225

224a (223a). Cephalothorax with single pair of spiracles; thoracic segments not well defined

---

224b. Cephalothorax greatly elongated, with 2 pairs of spiracles, or with head and thoracic segments distinct... ....... Strepsiptera) Callipharixenidae

226

225a (224a). Parasitoids of Homoptera or Gryllidae

---

225b. Parasitoids of Hymenoptera .......... ( Strepsiptera) Stylopidae

---

226a (225a). Brood-passage opening a narrow, linear or oblong slit; thorax prominent.....

.( Strepsiptera) Halictophagidae

---

226b. Brood-passage opening broad and semicircular; thorax reduced and ring-like in back of brood-passage opening. .......... .. (Strepsiptera) Elenchidae

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Lepidoptera:

228

227a (10a, 38a, 48a & 80a). Antennae simple or modified, but usually not swollen apically; hind wing with frenulum (= bristle or group of bristles arising at humeral angle); ocelli often present ........... (Lepidoptera) (Heterocera)

---

227b. Antennae knobbed at tip; hind wing without a frenulum; ocelli absent (Figs.A-D ) ……A.….... (Lepidoptera) (Rhopalocera) Lycaenidae

229

228a (227a). Wings absent or greatly reduced in size

231

228b. Wings normally developed.

230

229a (228a). Moth does not develop in a sac constructed by the larva

---

229b. Moth develops in and often never leaves sac constructed by the larva (Fig.A ) (also see couplets 233, 235 & 236) .......... A........ (Lepidoptera) Psychidae

---

230a (229a). Proboscis absent or vestigial (Figs.A-B ) (also see couplet 238).......A..... (Lepidoptera) Pyralididae

---

230b. Proboscis present (Figs.A-D ) (also see couplets 237 & 238) …... ( Lepidoptera) Noctuidae

232

231a (228b). Hind wing with 3 anal veins; fore wing usually with 1st anal vein reaching wing margin

236

231b. Hind wing with 2 anal veins, rarely with 1

233

232a (231a). Hind wing with veins S-c+R-1 and R-s widely separate beyond discal cell

238

232b. Hind wing with veins S-c+R-1 and R-s fused or closely parallel between discal cell and wing tip

234

233a (232a). Fore wings with radial (accessory) cell

---

233b. Fore wings without radial cell (Fig.229b-A ) (also see couplets 229, 235 & 236)... A ...... (Lepidoptera) Psychidae

235

234a (233a). Proboscis vestigial

239

234b. Mouthparts usually developed, with scaled proboscis

---

235a (234a). Tibial spurs short or absent (Fig.A ).......A.......(Lepidoptera) Epipyropidae

---

235b. Hind tibia with 2 pairs of spurs (Fig.229b-A ) (also see couplets 229, 233 & 236) ........ (Lepidoptera) Psychidae

237

236a (231b). Fore wing with single complete anal vein

---

236b. Fore wing with anal veins almost fused or connected by a crossvein so as to end as a single vein (Fig.229b-A ) (also see couplets 229, 233 & 235) … A.…... (Lepidoptera) Psychidae

238

237a (236a). Shaft of antennae tapering evenly from base to tip

---

237b. Antennae thickened before tip, usually ending in a down curved hook (Figs.230b-A-D) (also see couplets 230 & 238) ....... A.......(Lepidoptera) Noctuidae

---

238a (232b & 237a). Hind wing with S-c usually free from R-s along the cell, though sometimes extending near it (also see couplet 230)…(Lepidoptera) Pyralidae (Chrysauginae, ......... Phycitinae, Pyraustinae)

---

238b. Hind wing with S_c fused with R_s for short distance before the middle of cell ..... .. Noctuidae

240

239a (234b). Maxillary palpi straight and extend forward horizontally, or vestigial

---

239b. Maxillary palpi conspicuous, folded in resting position…..... (Lepidoptera) Oinophilidae

241

240a (239a). Basal segment of antenna simple, though often with scales, hairs, or bristles

---

240b. Basal segment of antenna enlarged and concave beneath, forming an eyecap (Fig.A (also see couplet 247) .......A.…... (Lepidoptera) Blastobasidae

242

241a (240a). Hind wing with well-developed anal region; venation almost complete

244

241b. Hind wing narrow-lanceolate or linear; venation often reduced.

243

242a (241a). Hind wing with anal vein not distally forked

---

242b. Hind wing with 3rd anal vein distally forked (Figs A-B )...…A........ (Lepidoptera) Cyclotornidae

---

243a (242a). Upper side of hind wing with fringe of long hairs on basal part of Cu…... (Lepidoptera) Olethreutidae

---

243b. Hind wing without long hairs on basal part of Cu (Fig.A )......A........(Lepidoptera) Tortricidae

245

244a (241b). Fore wing with discal cell formed

---

244b. Fore wing without closed cell (Fig.A ) (also see couplet 245…..A.......(Lepidoptera) Heliodinidae

246

245a (244a). Hind tarsi without evident groups of bristles

---

245b. Hind tarsi with somewhat distinct groups of bristles near the ends of the several segments (Fig.244b-A ) (also see couplet 244) ......... A .......... (Lepidoptera) Heliodinidae

247

246a (245a). Fore wing with discal cell set obliquely, the end distinctly closer to the hind margin than to costa; vein Cu-2 very short and usually extending directly back to wing margin

---

246b. Fore wing with discal cell axial and central; vein Cu-2 normally long and continuing parallel with median veins (also see couplet 247) ....... ( Lepidoptera) Lavernidae & Cosmopterygidae

---

247a (246a). Fore wing with blunt discal cell; veins R-2 and Cu arising from the end of discal cell (Fig.240b-A ) (also see couplet 14)...... .. A .........(Lepidoptera) Blastobasidae

---

247b. Fore wing without stigma; vein R-2 arising distinctly before end of discal cell (Fig.A ) (also see couplet 246) ............ (Lepidoptera) Cosmopterigidae

248. Major Families and Some Subfamilies of Adult Chalcidoidea:

Generalized drawings of Chalcidoidea morphology by Noyes & Valentine (1989) are

Presented in Figs.A-G .

For greater detail on specific geographic areas also please refer to regional keys as follows:

World Key (J. S. Noyes) = <noyes.htm>

North America = <nearct-1.key.htm>

Canada = <nearct-2.key.htm>

Neotropics (in Spanish) = <neotro-1.key.htm>

Europe = <palear-3.key.htm>

Czech & Slovak Republics = <palear-4.key.htm>

Southern Africa = <ethiop-1.key.htm>

India & Surroundings = <india-1.key.htm>

Australasia = <austra-1.key.htm> & <austra-3.key.htm>

New Zealand = <austra-2.key.htm>

249

248a (123b). Hind femur enlarged, with ventral teeth, either a few large or many small ones (saw-like) (Fig.A ); hind tibia not quite equal to femur and arched; specimens usually 5-15 mm, broad bodied, rarely <1-2 mm .......A.

253

248b. Hind femur not enlarged, ventral teeth, if present, 2 or less, or ventral edge serrated (Fig. A ); hindtibia straight (rarely half length of femur); specimens usually 1-10 mm., robust to fragile

250

249a (248a). Prepectus reduced or fused (Fig.A ), not readily apparent, of if so, not triangular in outline (Fig.A ).... A

252

249b. Prepectus in the form of a triangular plate (Fig.A )

251

250a (249a). Ovipositor directed horizontally [in most species not extended beyond tip of abdomen]; tegula almost an oval disc; fore wing not folded longitudinally; posterior gena with distinct ridge; body often large but not usually metallic (Figs.A-D )....A ..... Chalcididae

---

250b. Ovipositor curved upwards over abdomen (Fig.A ); male abdomen covered by pitted hard covering of fused dorsal plates (Fig.A ); tegula narrowly extended forward, ladel-like; fore wing often folded longitudinally; body large, wasp-like, with fore wing longitudinally folded as in Vespidae, frequently with black and yellow pattern (Figs.B-D ) ....... Leucospidae

---

251a (2 251a). Frons projects as 2 "horns" (surrounding antennae) in dorsal view (Fig.A ); petiole on abdomen, not long but with distinct dorsal ridges; ventral edge of hind femur with smoothly arched comb of minute teeth (Figs.B-C )...... A ....... Chalcididae (generalized ) (Dirhininae) [also see fly-par.htm ]

---

251b. Frons not modified as "horns," mostly flat in dorsal view (Fig.A ); hind tibia almost perpendicularly squared at tip; 2 hind tibial spurs ...….... Chalcididae (Haltichellinae)

---

251c. Frons not modified as "horns," mostly flat in dorsal view; hind tibia obliquely squared at tip (Fig.A ); either 1hind tibial spur or spur not apparent; abdominal petiole eitherconcealed or much shorter than 1/2 length of abdomen and not striated longitudinally ............ Chalcididae (Chalcidinae)

---

252a (249b). Eyes diverge ventrally; antennae inserted low on face; ovipositor not protrudin (Figs.A-B ).........=A..........Pteromalidae (Chalcedectini: Cleonyminae ) (part) [also see [also see 294]

---

252b. Eyes nearly parallel; antennae inserted near middle of face; ovipositor protruding (Figs.A-C ) ....... Torymidae (generalized ) (Podagrionini: Monodontomerinae) (part)

254

253a (248b). Antennae with 5-7 segments between pedicel and club; tarsi usually with 5 segments (if with 4, then males of Tetracampidae, or tiny specimens with long antennae and characteristic wings, (see Mymaridae illustrations) (Fig.A ).......... A.

287

253b. Antennae with 0-4 segments between pedicel and club; tarsi with 3, 4, or 5 segments (Fig.A ); or specimens 0.2-1 or 2 mm. long and such characters hard to see (many tiny fragile specimens)........................

256

254a (253a). Hind wing without stalk, expanded as shown; forewing venation ends beyond basal 1/3rd (postmarginal present, stigmal elongated to sessile) (Fig.A ); specimens usually >2 mm ......... .A

255

254b. Hind wing stalked and elongated (rarely reduced to only a short stub, hooked at tip); fore wing venation linear, ending in basal 1/3rd (postmarginal vein absent, stigmal rudimentary), or seemingly absent; specimens usually <2 mm

---

255a (254b). Abdominal petiole with distinct 2 segments and very thin; fore wing reticulate (= net-like); both fore and hind wings narrow at base into a linear stalk (Fig.A ); mandibles with teeth exodont (extended outwards); antennal sockets closer to eyes than to each other (rare in North American collections) .......... .A......... Mymerommatidae

---

255b. Abdominal petiole with 1 segment or none; fore wing membrane smooth, hind wing membrane not reaching base, but reduced to a linear stalk formed by submarginal vein (Fig.A ); frons with H-shaped impressed lines (Fig.A ); antennal sockets much closer to eyes than to each other; egg parasites (common in North American collections) .... (Figs.B-H ). ... Mymaridae

257

256a (254a). Mesopleuron concave; midtibial spur thin and like a spine (Fig.A )... ......A

283

256b. Mesopleuron convex (bulging); midtibial spur relatively thick (Fig.A )

---

257a (256a). Head projects forward, female mandible with rasplike appendage; female scape always distinctly widened but irregular in shape (Fig.A ), 3rd antennal segment not ring-like but extended mesodorsally into a thick spine (Fig.A ); eyes very small or vestigial, celli mostly absent; at least hind tibia shorter than femur; male wingless (much modified) or short-winged, wing stumps often as short filaments, rarely with narrow wing blade; body yellowish to dark brown or black, with shortened spiny tibiae, tarsal segments often very reduced; not parasitic and collected from fig fruits (Figs.B-F )...... A.....Agaonidae

258

257b. Head projects downward,female without appendage on mandible; hind tibia at least as long as femur, usually longer; male similar to female (Fig.A )

.260

258a (257b). Antennal insertion definitely more than one socket diameter above free margin of clypeus; if doubtful, then either eyes diverge ventrally or side of head ("cheeks") ridged (carinate) ......A..… (Fig.A )

259

258b. Antennal insertion less than one socket diameter above free margin of clypeus; if doubtful, side of head without ridges .......(Fig.A )

---

259a (258b). Antennae arise at side and below free margin of clypeus; thorax with some distinct pits or wrinkles, often also head; scutellum without sublateral lines but often with pitted frenal line (Fig.A ); fore wing membrane flat, pubescent, without a tuft of scales; frons with median pitted groove; abdominal petiole longer than wide; body black or slightly metallic (Figs.B-D ) (common in North American collections)......A...Pteromalidae (Spalangiinae )....[also see 294 and fly-par.htm ]

---

259b. Antennae arise slightly above free margin of clypeus; abdominal petiole not visible (Fig. A ) (rare in North American collections) ........ Pteromalidae (Ceinae ) [also see Asaphinae & Eunotinae].

---

260a (258a). Fore wing stigma enlarged (Fig.A ), longer than stigmal vein, and projects toward hind margin of wing; ovipositor sheaths always protruding; antennae with 7 funicle segments; thorax with rather sparse and usually outstanding conspicuous hairs, always without short hairs; body often somewhat yellow and rarely metallic (Figs.B-C ) ....... .A......... Torymidae (Megastigminae).

261

260b. Fore wing stigma not enlarged, shorter than stigmal vein (stigma at times surrounded by pigmented tainlike area); ovipositor and antenna variable (Fig.A )

---

261a (260b). Scutellum with submedian grooves that meet prescutal sutures and outline a median rectangular area (ra) or stigmal vein long and almost at right angle to marginal vein (Figs.A-B ) (rare in collections from fig fruits in Florida .... .A ..... Torymidae (Sycophaginae)

262

261b. Scutellum without submedian grooves, prescutal sutures separated from scutellum by axilla (= triangular or rounded sclerite on side of scutellum and mostly just back of the base of front wing); either stigmal vein ling and angled off of marginal vein or short (Fig.A ) (common & widespread in North America)

263

262a (261b). Hind coxa much longer and wider than forecoxa by 2-3 times; if doubtful, then prescutal sutures absent or weak and female with protruding ovipositor (Fig.A ........... A.

265

262b. Hind coxa nearly same size as fore coxa; if doubtful, then prescutal sutures well developed and female ovipositor not protruding (Fig.A )

---

263a (262a). Ovipositor at least a little protruding; both sexes: abdomen without pits; propodeum postero-laterally angled and does not project over hind coxa (dorsal view); cerci of last dorsal plate elongated or 4-sided and with long setae (not as apparent in male as female); pronotum mostly long, often almost conical; prepectus almost equal to tegula; hind tibial spurs thin; male abdomen collapsed or convex, in latter case at least as high as broad, without lateral edge (Figs.A-E ) ....... .A....... Torymidae .. .(Subfamilies: … 264)

---

263b. Ovipositor not protruding; both sexes: pronotum relatively short; abdomen with pits and always heavily sclerotized; propodeum postero-laterally rounded and projects over hind coxa (dorsal view); cerci of last dorsal plate reduced to low plates (like a disk); prepectus much smaller than tegula; hind tibial spurs thickened (Figs.A-B ) ........... Ormyridae

---

264a (263a). Metapleuron with straight anterior margin; stigmal vein much shorter than breadth of coastal cell, stigma at most only slightly knobbed (Fig.A ); head and thorax always metallic or slightly so in Australian species; hairs on thorax usually dense and short ........ A ........ Torymidae (Monodontomerinae)

---

264b. Metapleuron with anterior margin angled or protruding forward (Fig.A ), so that metapleuron forms a distinct lobe; antennae of Australian species always with 1 anellus (ring segment) and 7 funicular segments (Fig.B ) ...... Torymidae (Toryminae)

---

265a (262b). Pronotum rectangular in dorsal view, about as wide as scutum, sides parallel and flat laterally; body black, yellow, or mixed black & yellow, but rarely faintly metallic; thorax mostly with coarse hairy pits; abdomen usually oval in crossview and compressed laterally (Figs.A-D ) ........ A ..... Eurytomidae (Subfamilies: 266)

268

265b. Pronotum in dorsal view narrowed to a transverse (= at right angles to longitudinal axis) strip, or not visible (if elongated, then narrower at base than apex and sides concave to accomodate front femora (rare, some Cleonyminae); body often metallic blue or green, rarely black; abdomen usually keel-shaped (triangular in cross view) and somewhat compressed dorsally (Fig.A )

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266a (265a). Prepectus (p) as large or larger than tegula; antennae at most with 12 segments (Fig.A ), with only 1 ring segment and this often almost fused with first funicular A segment; apical segments mostly fused into a club (Fig.B ) ........ Eurytomidae (Eurytominae)

267

266b. Prepectus smaller than tegula (Fig.A )

---

267a (266b). Scutellum with projection; tegula sculptured (Fig.A ). .....A. ...... Eurytomidae (Heimbrinae)

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267b. Scutellum without projection; tegula smooth; antennae with 13 segments (Fig.A ), the segments after pedicel either not differentiated or proximal 3 segments of flagellum shortened and then almost anelliform (= ring-like)........ Eurytomidae (Rileyinae)

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268a (265b). Pronotum not visible in dorsal view, covered by distinctly arched scutum; sculpture on thorax often coarse; abdomen like a rudder, on long petiole; marginal vein usually very long, but sometimes poorly defined; mandibles often sickle-shaped, narrow (Fig.A ); marginal vein unusually long in some species (Figs.B-E )...Eucharitidae ...A….(Subfamilies: 269)

270

268b. Pronotum visible in dorsal view, scutum not heavily arched; abdomen usually elongated and petiole usually not visible.... (petiolate forms occur) (Fig.A )

---

269a (268a). Prepectus fused to pronotum (Figs.A-B ).... A ....... Eucharitidae (Eucharitinae)

---

269b. Prepectus not fused to pronotum (Fig.A ) .......... Eucharitidae (Oraseminae)

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270a (268b). Abdomen covered by first two dorsal plates (or seemingly covered by single plate); prepectus often fused with side panel of pronotum (Fig.A ), if prepectus clearly separated than face with discernible supraclypeal area and strong mandibles only 2-toothed (Fig.A); prescutal sutures always complete; body short and squat; head with well defined clypeus and at least 1 mandible with 2 teeth; body metallic to black, thorax mostly with coarse hairy pits (Figs.B-C) ......A...….......... Perilampidae (Subfamilies:….. 271)

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270b. Abdomen with 3 or more readily visible dorsal plates; body usually elongated; head variable but usually with inconspicuous clypeus and small mandibles with 3-4 teeth; either prescutal sutures incomplete or antenna with 13 segments (Figs.A-B ) .......... Pteromalidae ...(Subfamilies: 272 & 294)

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271a (270a). Prepectus not fused to pronotum; suture clearly visible (Fig.A )..... A..... Perilampidae (Chrysolampinae)

---

271b. Prepectus fused to pronotum (suture absent or barely visible) (Figs.A-D ) ............. Perilampidae (Perilampinae)

273

272a (270b). Axillae (ax) advanced far forward of scutellum or cuts a distinct angle into side lobe of scutum (Fig.A )......... A

275

272b. Axillae not extended forward of scutellum, or if slightly advanced, does not cut a distinct angle into side lobe of scutum .... (Fig.A )

---

273a (2 272a. Axillae enlarged, nearly meeting medially; body covered with white, scale-like

setae (Fig.A )....…A.. ..... Pteromalidae (Eutrichosomatinae )

274

273b. Axillae not enlarged, not close medially; body without white, scale-like setae (Fig.A )

---

274a (273b). Scutellum posterior without triangular "projection" and with parallel dorsal grooves; ovipositor often protruding (Fig.A ) ...... .A..... Pteromalidae (Colotrechninae ) ....[also see 294]

---

274b. Scutellum posterior with triangular "projection" (is part of metanotum) and without apparent dorsal grooves; scapula extends backwards outside the rectangular outer corner of axilla, axilla 2X as long as broad; mid tarsus with 4 segments, unusually long (Fig.A ), first segment as long as rest; prepectus unusually small Pteromalidae (Macromesinae ).[also see 294]

---

275a (272b). Head in dorsal view with posterior ocelli touching sharp occipital (= dorsal posterior) edge, gena usually posteriorly ridged; clypeal margin not extended; thorax A hariness mostly replaced by sparce bristles (Figs.A-C ) …...... Pteromalidae (Eunotinae ).... [also see 294]

276

275b. Head in dorsal view with posterior ocelli distant from rounded occipital margin; if doubtful, then head with curved black spines (Fig.A )

---

276a (275b). Head with projection between antennae, visible both from above and side (antennae not shown) (Fig.A ); body and antennae shiny, latter usually always without anelli (= ring segments); wings, if not reduced, without conspicuous hariness but with fine long marginal fringe, sometimes with a tuft at stigma; marginal vein usually long, but postmarginal and stigmal veins short; body yellowish to blackish, rarely metallic. ......... .A..... Pteromalidae (Cerocephalinae )....[also see 294]

.277

276b. Head without interantennal projection (Fig.A )...,,,,...A..

---

277a (276b). Head and thorax dorsally with black, curved spines; antennae with 13 segments; hind coxae with fine longitudinal ridges and inserted unusually high (Fig.A ), its outer face often with longitudinal sculpture; short-winged or wingless females common ......... .A......... Pteromalidae (Diparinae )....[also see 294]

278

277b. Head and thorax may have setae, but not black spines; hind coxae sculptured or smooth, without longitudinal ridges ........... (Fig.A )

---

278a (277b). Body typically elongated (1-2 cm.); head with ridged, raised areas (crests) between eye and scrobal basin; pronotum in dorsal view about 2X as long as broad, also petiole, legs and wings unusually long and slender (Fig.A ); ovipositor protrudes, long; antennae with 13 segments without ring segments; very rare in NorthAmerica)........A. .......Pteromalidae (Leptofoeninae )....[also see 294]

279

278b. Body less elongated (usually less than 1 cm.); head without ridged, raised area between eye and scrobal basin (Fig.A ) (commonly collected in North America) ..........A.

---

279a (278b). Eyes divergent ventrally, parallel dorsally; pronotum often, though not always, longer than wide, dorsally rounded and medially often with smooth strip or raised longitudinal line; thorax usually pitted (Figs.A-C ) ........ .A. ....... Pteromalidae (Cleonyminae ).... [also see 294]

280

279b. Eye margins mostly parallel; pronotum always wider than long (Fig.A )

281

280a (279b). Either eyes, head, and thorax densely covered with setae, or scutellum largely A ........ .polished and with only 2 pairs of bristles (rare in North American collections) (Fig.A )

282

280b. Eyes not densely covered with setae, head and thorax occasionally so; scutellum rarely with paired bristles, but if so there are 3 or more pairs and they are inconspicuous (Fig.A )

---

281a (280a). Eyes, head and thorax densely covered with setae; first dorsal plate without distinct longitudinal grooves; head including large eyes, thorax dorsally and wings regularly densely hairy, never with paired bristles (Fig.A ); postmarginal vein much longer than stigmal. ........A .......... (Herbertinae )....[also see 294]

---

281b. Eyes not covered with setae; scutellum largely polished and with 2 pairs of prominent bristles; male antennae with 6 conspicuous segments between pedicel and club (Fig.A), rarely 5 (Fig.A); marginal vein at least 4X as long as stigmal vein (Fig.A), fore wing mostly very densely hairy, including basal 1/3rd; in females antenna with 6 distinct funicular segments and sometimes with 1 ring-like segment (Fig.A); female propodeum often very hairy (Figs.A-C) ............ Tetracampidae

---

282a (280b). Sides of head ("cheeks") laterally ridged, temple absent (Fig.A ), gena posteriorly produced into a lamina; antenna clubbed, all preclub segments of flagellum at right angles to longitudinal axis; scutellum anteriorly with 2 deep pits; second dorsal plate of petiolate abdomen very large, covering most of dorsum, dorsally somewhat fused with the 1st dorsal plate. ... .A........ Pteromalidae (Asaphinae )....[also see 294]

---

282b. Sides of head rounded laterally; notauli (= longitudinal sutures of the mesonotum separating the median area from the lateral area) incomplete and wide apart; marginal vein widened in basal part (Fig.A ); clypeal margin often with deep incision and asymmetric teeth; dorsum of thorax reticulate, almost bare, without bristles (Fig.B ) ..... Pteromalidae (Pteromalinae / Miscogasterinae) .......... .[also see 294]

284

283a (256b). Cercus at tip of abdomen; fore and midcoxae separated (midcoxa posterior to midpoint of mesopleuron); axillae (ax) do not meet medially (if so, at least as long as wide); marginal vein longer than stigmal or postmarginal (Fig.A ) .........A

---

283b. Cercus anterior to tip of abdomen; fore & mid coxae nearly touching (mid coxa anterior to middle of mesopleuron) (Fig.A); flagellum with at most 9 segments (occasionally one very small ring-like segment); axillae transverse (= at right angle with longitudinal axis), often meeting in midline (Fig.A); marginal vein often shorter than stigmal or postmarginal; mesoscutum convex and short; prescutal sutures absent or indicated by superficial lines converging to meet at the pointed front end of scutellum (Figs.B-Z) ......... Encyrtidae (adults-1 ) (adults-2 ) [also see fly-par.htm ]

---

284a (283a). Prescutal sutures mostly invisible, do not meet; prepectus flat, not projected flagellum with 7-8 segmented funicle plus club; mid coxae much closer to hind coxae than to fore ones (Fig.A); axillae not obviously at right angles with longitudinal axis and mostly wide apart so that scutellum is only rarely pointed anteriorly; marginal vein always much longer than stigmal vein (Figs.B-F ) ...... A........Eupelmidae ...(Subfamilies: 285)

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284b. Prepectus swollen, in dorsal view protruding forwards as conspicuous shoulders (Fig.A ), prescutal sutures meet medially; pronotum very short; always fully winged, stigmal vein fairly long but shorter than marginal (Fig.A ); antennae with 12 segments; tropical and phytophagous (not parasitic) .......... Tanaostigmatidae

---

285a (284a). Lack membranous area anterior to mid coxal insertion (Fig.A ) .......A ........ Eupelmidae (Metapelmatinae)

286

285b. With membranous area anterior to midcoxal insertion (Fig.A )

---

286a (285b). Scutum wider than pronotum, with anterolateral shoulders produced (Fig.A ) ........ A. ......... .Eupelmidae (Calosotinae)

---

286b. Scutum not much wider than pronotum, with anterolateral shoulders indistinct (Figs.A-B ) ......... Eupelmidae (Eupelminae)

.288

287a (253b). Usually 1 mm. or longer; body often metallic or dark in color; abdomennarrowly joined at propodeum (petiole may or may not be apparent); tarsi always with 4 segments; postmarginal vein present or absent (Fig.A)...........A.

292

287b. Usually 1 mm or less in length; body mostly pale yellow to white, sometimes with dark markings or wholly dark, but not metallic; abdomen broadly joined to propodeum; postmarginal vein absent; tarsi usually with 3-5 segments (if 4 segments, then club large and undivided or wing fringed with long setae, or middle tarsi with only 4 segments) (Fig A )

---

288a (287a). Hind coxa greatly enlarged; posterior scutellum with triangular, usually translucent flap overhanging propodeum; hind tibia with irregular, linear, or diamond-shaped patterns of setae; prescutal sutures indistinct; tarsi with 4 segments; fore wing very narrow, wedge-shaped and almost completely hairy, without outstanding bristles; male antenna with 3 branches.......... (Fig.A ); general appearance (Figs.A-E ) ...... .A ...... Elasmidae

---

288b. Hind coxa not greatly enlarged (normal); posterior scutellum without overhanging triangular flap; hind tibia without irregular setal patterns; body ranges from minute to medium size (Figs.A-D ) (up to 6 mm long) ..........Eulophidae ..(Subfamilies: 289)

---

289a (288b). Scutellum usually with 1 pair of setae; submarginal vein with 2 dorsal bristles (except some Neotropical genera with more); stigmal vein always very short and postmarginal even shorter than stigmal; face usually with scrobal and facial grooves; notaular grooves abruptly directed sideways and before the bend at least shortly interrupted; fully winged (Fig.A )......... A....... . Eulophidae (Entedoninae)

290

289b. Scutellum with 2 pairs of setae (rarely 3 or more); submarginal with 3 or more setae (rarely with 1 or 2); face usually without distinct grooves

---

290a (289b). Fore wing with bare area posterior to marginal vein with single row of setae; usually with 2-3 "lines of setae" radiating from stigmal vein; scutellum in dorsal view entire, without longitudinal grooves, axillae on its sides separated by a depression which is not visible dorsally (Fig.A ); female abdomen with 2 dorsal plates after the 6th (spiracle bearing), these loose or only partly fused ....... A........ Eulophidae (Euderinae)

291

290b. Fore wing usually evenly setose posterior to marginal vein without row of setae; rarely with any "lines of setae" radiating from stigmal, when present, usually only one (Fig.A )

---

291a (290b). Postmarginal vein usually absent or rudimentary; shiny scutellum often with paired submedian grooves that divide the scutellum into 3 distinct pieces (Figs.A-B ) ....... .A. ...…... Eulophidae (Tetrastichinae)

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291b. Postmarginal vein present, stigmal vein usually moderately long; submarginal vein at distal end usually smooth curving into stigma (Fig.A ); scutellum without submedian grooves, rarely with lateral grooves, when present at extreme lateral margins, scutellum usually with 2 or more pairs of setae (Fig.A ), in some species with additional hairiness .......... Eulophidae (Eulophinae)

---

292a (287b). Tarsi with 3 segments, all segments elongated and almost of same length (Fig.A); setae on wings usually arranged in rows; stigmal vein usually elongated, postmarginal vein absent (Fig.A); antennae short (5-9 segments) (Fig.A) and with few discernible funicular segments, male with elongated antennal "setae."; body minute, rarely exceeding 1 mm in length, never metallic (Figs.B-C); egg parasites ........ A. ........ Trichogrammatidae

293

292b. Tarsi with 4-5 segments; setae on wings largely absent, evenly covering wings, or with only a few bare spots or rows present; stigmal vein short and not obviously divergent from wing margin; antennae variable, but usually with discernible funiclar segments (if not, then with large undivided club) (Fig.A )

---

293a (292b). Propodeum without median triangular area; scutellum (sc) not transverse (anterior, posterior sides not parallel), axillae (ax) distinct from scutellum, rarely meeting medially; club of antenna almost always segmented (a few species here have antennae like Signiphoridae). Axillae (ax) do not meet medially, generally widely separated; prescutal sutures (n) present and mostly far apart, complete (Fig.A ) and abdomen broadly sessile; fore wing post marginal vein mostly absent; (antennal club in Eretmocerus large and undivided, tarsi with 4 segments); body usually less than 1 mm long, rarely 1.7 mm, always not metallic

(Figs.B-H ) ......... A.…...... Aphelinidae

---

293b. Propodeum with triangular median area (Fig.A ); scutellum (sc) transverse (sides parallel), fused with axillae and forming a narrow cross-belt or widely separated; prescutal sutures complete but fine, linear; thorax smooth; club of antenna elongated and not segmented; male antennae simple; fore wing not especially narrow, basal 13rd mostly bare but with several very prominent bristles; body small, hardly ever >1mm long, usually black and depressed dorsally, always winged, abdomen broadly sessile (Figs.B-C ) ........ Signiphoridae

Subfamilies of Pteromalidae (especially Australasian species):

---

294a (252a, 259a, 270b, 274a,b; 275a, 276a, 277a, 278a, 279a, 281a, 282a,b). Stigmal vein arising at almost right angle (Fig.A ) and longer than postmarginal vein (dwarfed) sometimes with rudimentary wings); body not metallic, usually yellowish or blackish, thorax along median line almost smooth and bare except for paired setae (rarely more setae sublaterally), including rare shortwinged forms; oral depression on back of head much constricted or separated from foramen magnum (= opening on posterior side of head) by postgenal bridge (as in Fig.B ); [tarsi sometimes with 4 segments; antenna sometimes with one ring segment, number of other segments variable] ...... A....... non-Pteromalidae , Agaonidae (Epichrysomallinae)

295

294b. Stigmal vein at acute angle or, if rarely approaching right angle (e.g., some Ormocerinae), then stigmal vein shorter than postmarginal and thorax dorsally with distinct sculpture and extensively hairy even in median line; back of head usually broadly open between oral depression and foramen magnum; mostly quite different from that previously described; winged or wingless

---

295a (294b). Narrowed base of antennal scape about 4X as long as broad (Fig.A ), sockets wide apart but close to mouth, antennal formula 1125(3); face collapsing so that eyes come close together; body and appendages very slender, ovipositor long; marginal vein at least 8X as long as the very short stigmal vein, but postmarginal vein long (Fig.B ) ....... A.......... Pteromalidae (Louriciinae )

296

295b. Narrowed base of scape hardly ever longer than broad (exceptionally 2X so in Storeya), antennae different, also body and venation different

297

296a (295b). Antennal sockets situated on lower margin of head (Fig.A-B ), overhanging the mouth; antenna 1171, (= with 7 funicular segments but no ring segments); head prognathous (= projecting forward) or almost; abdomen on distinct petiole; marginal vein very long, stigmal and postmarginal veins short. ......... A.

298

296b. Sockets located at least slightly above mouth margin; antennal formula usually different or venation different

---

297a (296a). Body mainly yellowish; head and thorax almost smooth; scutellum with fine out-curving sublateral lines; disc of fore wing convex and almost bare, at stigma a group or tuft of black scales (Fig.A ); frons without median groove ........ A...…... Pteromalidae (Storeyinae )

---

297b. Body black or slightly metallic; at least thorax with some distinct pits or wrinkles, often also head; scutellum without sublateral lines but often with pitted frenal line (Fig.A ); fore wing disc flat, pubescent, without a tuft of scales; (frons with median pitted groove) (Figs.B-C ) ........ Pteromalidae (Spalangiinae ) [also see fly-par.htm ]

---

298a (296b). Head almost prognathous or globose (Figs.A-B ), with large ridge or tooth between antennae, and with conspicuous occipital carina (= ridge on dorsal posterior head); body and antennae shiny, latter without ring segments (one exception: (Fig.C); wings, if not rudimentary, then not obviously hairy but with fine long marginal fringe, sometimes with a tuft at stigma, marginal vein fairly long but postmarginal and stigmal veins short; [body yellowish to blackish, rarely with metallic gloss] ..…...A........... .Pteromalidae (Cerocephalinae )

299

298b. Head either quite different, most orthognathous, (= with mouth directed ventrad), or antennae and wings different from previous

300

299a (298b). Antennae with not more than one ring segment and at least 12 segments (as in Fig.A , club counted as 3); sometimes proximal flagellar segments gradually, even extensively shortened, almost ring-like, but otherwise not different from distal ones (Figs.B-D)..........A.

.324

299b. Antennae either with at least 2 true ring segments (these clearly different from larger following segments which bear sensilla), or with fewer than 12 segments (club sometimes undivided but counted as 3 segments)

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300a (299a). Head somewhat cube-like and with toothed parascrobal crests (Fig.A ); pronotum in dorsal view about 2X as long as broad, also petiole, legs and wings unusually long and slender (Fig.B ); ovipositor protruding, long; antennae with 13 segments, without ring segments......... A.......... Pteromalidae (Leptofoeninae )

301

300b. Head at right angles to longitudinal axis and mostly without toothed parascrobal crests, or other characters at least partly different than previous

---

300a (299a). Head somewhat cube-like and with toothed parascrobal crests (Fig.A); pronotum in dorsal view about 2X as long as broad, also petiole, legs and wings unusually long and slender (Fig.B); ovipositor protruding, long; antennae with 13 segments, without ring segments ........ A.......... Pteromalidae (Leptofoeninae)

301

300b. Head at right angles to longitudinal axis and mostly without toothed parascrobal crests, or other characters at least partly different than previous

302

301a (300b). Pronotum large and almost conical, collar not delimited by an edge (e.g., Figs.A-B ) or, if only moderately large then with distinct median line on rear slope (e.g., Fig.C) and inner eye margins much diverging in lower half (Fig.D); thorax dorsally densely pitted and hairy; scutellum regularly densely hairy but without outstanding longer bristles; [fore or hind femora, or both, often distinctly thickened]....... A

307

301b. Pronotum short or, if large (rarely), then with collar anteriorly delimited by transverse edge, always without median line, inner orbits not unusually diverging in lower half; thorax mostly with different sculpture; scutellum often posteriorly with 2 frenal bristles, sometimes with additional pairs of conspicuous setae anteriorly

---

302a (301a). Scutellum with distinct, though sometimes fine, sublateral grooves (Fig.A ); inner orbits often parallel; antennal formula mostly 11173; ovipositor protruding ......... A....Pteromalidae (Colotrechninae ) (part)

303

302b. Scutellum without sublateral grooves; otherwise also partly different

---

303a (302b). Propodeum medially short, with deep petiolar notches in form of an inverted V (Fig.A ); petiole long and almost conical to pear-shaped, round in cross section, with some thin long hairs but without ridges or coarse sculpture; body with unusually long but not thickly hairy; femora slender; ovipositor protruding (Fig.B )..... A.......Pteromalidae (Nefoeninae )

304

303b. Propodeum without deep petiolar notches; petiole, if rarely evident, of quite different form and bare; body without long sparse hairs; femora often thickened; ovipositor protruding or not

---

304a (303b). Males only: Head with distinct occipital carina; (back of head with hypostomal areas meeting below foramen); hind coxa fairly large; forewing with marginal vein very long but the stigmal short or unusually knobbed (see Fig.A ). non-Pteromalidae.. ...... A….. Torymidae

305

304b. Males & Females: Occipital carina indistinct

---

305a (304b). Scutellum with frenal groove and this bearing on either side a conspicuous long bristle (Fig.A ) ...... A......... Pteromalidae (Coelocybinae )

306

305b. Scutellum without distinct frenal line, without frenal bristles

---

306a (305b). Pronotum dorsally rounded or at least without transverse edge, medially often with smooth strip or raised longitudinal line; hind margin only moderately notched; thorax usually pitted (Figs.A-B ). ......... A............ Pteromalidae (Cleonyminae )

---

306b. Pronotum with collar dorsally separated by an edge (Fig.A ), sloping medially without any line, hind margin rather deeply notched; thorax sculpture irregularly rugulose (= wrinkled) but rather densely haired ....... Pteromalidae (Ditropinotellinae )

---

307a (301b). Notauli incomplete and wide apart; marginal vein widened in basal part (Fig.A); dorsum of thorax reticulate, almost bare, without bristles; female antennae 11173 (Figs.B-E) ........ A......... Pteromalidae (Pteromalinae )

308

307b. Notauli mostly clearly complete, if incomplete (some Diparinae and Coelocybinae, also Eunotopsia) thenmarginal vein not widened in basal half, etc.

---

308a (307b). Second dorsal plate of petiolate abdomen very large, covering most of dorsum, dorsally somewhat fused with the 1st dorsal plate; head with no temple (Fig.A ), gena posteriorly produced into a lamina; antenna thick club, all preclub segments of flagellum obviously at right angles to longitudinal axis; scutellum anteriorly with 2 deep pits.... A. ........ Pteromalidae (Asaphinae )

309

308b. Second dorsal plate never covering most of abdomen; abdomen often sessile; temple and antenna different; scutellum without double deep pit at base

310

309a (308b). First dorsal plate greatly enlarged, convex, non-collapsing (Figs.A-B ), covering more than 1/3rd (often much more, but only 1/4th in male Austrosystasis) of abdomen; antennal sockets usually close to each other; often not metallic... A.

314

309b. First dorsal plate never bell-shaped, not so convex and large; if covering over 1/3rd of abdomen then either itself collapsing from base or whole abdomen dorsally caving in; antennal sockets usually rather wide apart

---

310a (309a). Antennae with 13 segments; hind coxa inserted unusually high (Figs.A-B ), its outer face often with longitudinal sculpture; short-winged or wingless females common; either vertex and/or thorax dorsally with paired dark bristles and gena posteriorly rounded, or bristles absent (Fig.C ) and then gena ridged in lower part, in latter case antenna long, 11173 ......... .A …… Pteromalidae (Diparinae )

311

310b. Antennae with 12 segments, with 1 ring segment and 6 funicular segments; gena posteriorly mostly ridged

---

311a (310b). Thorax with coarse and deep hairy pits, hairs not placed on papillae (Fig.A ); abdomen almost sessile, somewhat compressed laterally, high, eurytomid-like, 1st dorsal plate reduced on sides; hind coxa long, inserted high.... .A.... Pteromalidae (Austrosystasinae )

312

311b. Thorax mostly with much finer or sparse sculpture or, if densely hairy then hairs arising from elevated papillae (in Herbertia); hind coxae not inserted very high

---

312a (311b). Petiole long, with longitudinal ribs; pronotum fairly large and at right angles to longitudinal axis; clypeal margin arcuately produced, mandibles long and curved, teeth 2:3..East Asiatic ......... Pteromalidae (Elatoidinae )

.313

312b. Petiole at right angles to longitudinal axis, often concealed; pronotum short; clypeal margin not produced; mandibles short, different

---

313a (312b). First dorsal plate with longitudinal grooves; head and thorax dorsally often with paired bristles (Fig.A ); postmarginal vein shorter than stigmal, or even absent....... A......... Pteromalidae (Erotolepsiinae )

---

313b. First dorsal plate without distinct longitudinal grooves; head including large eyes, thorax dorsally and wings regularly densely hairy, never with paired bristles (Fig.A ); postmargina vein much longer than stigmal... Pteromalidae (Herbertiinae )

---

314a (309b). Scapula produced backwards outside the rectangular outer corner of axilla, axilla fully 2X as long as broad; mid tarsus with 4 segments, unusually long (Fig.A ), first segment as long as rest; prepectus unusually small (Fig.B ) ...... A...... Pteromalidae (Macromesinae )

315

314b. Scapula not produced backwards outside of axilla, latter mostly much shorter; all tarsi with 5 segments, shorter; prepectus usually larger, different

316

315a (314b). Scutellum with obvious paired bristles, at least 2 frenal ones present in posterior corners (Figs.A-B ), often with additional pairs on scutellum or even posteriorly on scutum; antennae inserted low on face, sockets rather far apart (Fig.C ); body mostly not metallic ... A.

.317

315b. Scutellum without any pairs of obvious bristles, thorax generally either with rather regular hairiness or almost bare; in other respects also partly different

---

316a (315a). Fore wing densely pubescent, even basally; marginal vein very long (Fig.A ), about 5X as long as the stigmal, latter with long uncus; propodeum with long hairs which medially converge towards median line; antennae with 6 almost equal funicular segments and one (often indistinct) ring segment; hind margin of 1st dorsal plate usually bent down; abdomen sometimes petiolate; hind tibial spur very small. non-Pteromalidae. ....... A….. Tetracampidae

---

316b. Fore wing somewhat bare in basal 1/3rd (in regional species); marginal vein relatively much shorter, mostly much less than 4X as long as the stigmal, stigmal uncus short; propodeum extensively bare; antennae different, often clubbed with basal or all flagellar segments shortened (e.g., Fig.A ); hind margin of 1st dorsal plate flat; abdomen sessile; hind tibial spurs often stout ......... Pteromalidae (Coelocybinae )

318

317a (315b). Occipital carina distinctly developed

320

317b. Occipital carina absent

---

318a (317a). Axillae very much advanced (Fig.A); abdomen almost sessile; base of short stigmal vein thickened, postmarginal vein hardly as long as stigmal (Fig.B); gena posteriorly finely ridged ....... A....... Pteromalidae (Parasaphodinae )

.319

318b. Axillae not or only slightly advanced; abdomen usually different, also venation different

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319a (318b). Abdomen almost sessile; pronotum long, cubical, with edged collar (Fig.A), fully as long as mesoscutum, dull with transverse rugose (= wrinkled) pits; gena broadly rounded; mesopleuron with reticulate depression similar to that of Pteromalinae .......... A........... Pteromalidae (Keiraninae )

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319b. Abdomen petiolate, petiole with longitudinal ribs (Fig.A ); pronotum at right angles to longitudinal axis, anteriorly rounded; gena posteriorly usually ridged; mesopleuron with large peculiar pits (Fig.B ) .......Pteromalidae (Asaphinae )

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320a (317b). Pronotum broad, almost rectangular (Figs.A-B ), shiny, even if densely pitted, often anteriorly ridged; clypeus very broad, lower margin somewhat produced but antennae at center of face; mandibles long, crescent-shaped, 2-toothed (Fig.C ); mouth corners angular, with malar depression, mouth margin in corners ridged; antennae 11173, club symmetric; abdomen short, often on sculptured petiole; [thorax often shiny, axillae close to each other medially] ....... A..... non-Pteromalidae........ Perilampidae (Chrysolampinae)

321

320b. Pronotum mostly different, or, if almost rectangular then dull with dense sculpture (Ditropinotella, Fig.A ); clypeus not broad, not produced; mouth corners notched, not angular, not conspicuously ridged; at least right mandible with 3 teeth; abdomen almost always sessile

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321a (320b). Pronotum with collar edge or ridge, hind margin deeply notched, sides rather long; thorax densely pitted and hairy, gaps between densely wrinkled-reticulate; propodeum with median ridge and extensive hairy; [in female hypopygium ending near tip and often sheaths protruding and upturned (Fig.A )] ....... A....... Pteromalidae (Ditropinotellinae )

.322

321b. Pronotum rounded dorsally, different; if thorax sometimes similar to previously described, then propodeum not extensively hairy

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322a (321b). Males only: Antennae with tiny indistinct ring segment, 7 funicular and 2 club segments; mandibles with 4 teeth; notauli complete and deep, thorax rather shiny ........ Pteromalidae (Pireninae ) (rare forms)

323

322b. Females or if Males then club 3-segmented or undivided, mandibles different, in other respects also partly different

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323a (322b). Males only: Head and thorax usually dull metallic, densely hairy and with regular pitted and wrinkled sculpture; antennae mostly 11173, or club undivided, rarely funicle shortened (some Anastatus); propodeum mostly with fine median ridge; axillae distinctly separated by short but squared base of scutellum; mid tibial spur usually enlarged, longe than spur of hind tibia. ...... non-Pteromalidae, Eupelmidae (Eupelminae)

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323b. Males & Females: Thorax usually not metallic, sculpture either longitudinally wrinkled or rather fine, hairiness rather sparse, often very sparse; propodeum often without median ridge; axillae usually close to each other; mid tibial spur not enlarged ............ Pteromalidae (Ormocerinae )

325

324a (299b). Antennae with 12-13 segments including at least 2 ring segments (sometimes 3-4);notauli complete or incomplete

331

324b. Antennae with fewer than 12 segments and often with only 1 ring segment; notauli always complete

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325a (324a). Scutellum in dorsal view with distinct sublateral grooves or lines which posteriorly mostly curve outwards (Fig.A ); if grooves are placed more towards sides, then antennae with 4 short ring segments; [axillae often advanced; notauli complete or incomplete] ........ A.....Pteromalidae (Colotrechninae )

326

325b. Scutellum mostly without sublateral lines or, if such lines are visible on sloping sides then they are straight and/or incomplete (e.g., Figs.A-C); antennae with 2-3 short ring segments, or segments after 2nd ring segment short but gradually increasing in size

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326a (325b). Scutellum posteriorly with a pair of conspicuous bristles, at lateral ends of frenal line (Fig.A ), its sculpture never raised-reticulate; body mostly without metallic tinge; [antennae with 13 segments, often clubbed and short, with several or most segments after pedicel at right angles to longitudinal axis, club often asymmetric ...... A...........Pteromalidae (Coelocybinae )

327

326b. Scutellum without frenal bristles, or if with 2 thicker hairs posteriorly then whole scutellum has raised net-like sculpture and/or metallic hue.

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327a (326b). Antennae inserted in lower 1/3rd of face, very rarely with 13 segments, usually 11-12 segments, with 1-2, mostly very small, ring segments (Fig.A); mandibles with 4 teeth; clypeus conspicuous, convex, its sides converging, lower margin produced (as in Fig.B), even in forms with 13-segmented antennae .....… A....... Pteromalidae (Pireninae )

.328

327b. Antennae mostly inserted near to or even above center of face, but if below center than with 13 segments, with 2-3 ring segments (very rarely more segments ring-shaped); clypeus always different from previously described

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328a (327b). Axillar grooves anteriorly somewhat meeting (Figs.A-B) so that scutellum does not reach or only narrowly reaches mesoscutum; body without regular reticulation, mostly regulose, without metallic hue; abdomen sessile; propodeal spiracles mostly unusually large; antennae with 12-13 segments ......... A......... Pteromalidae (Ormocerinae ) (part)

329

328b. Axillar grooves wide apart so that scutellum broadly borders on mesoscutum; most other aspects also different

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329a (328b). Antennae with 12 segments, with 2 distinct ring segments and 5 funicular segments (Fig.A ); clypeus almost rectangular, flat, not produced, dorsally with deep tentorial pits; notauli very deep, complete; abdomen sessile .......... Pteromalidae (Ormocerinae ) (part)

330

329b. Antennae different, with 13 segments, mostly with 2-3 ring segments; clypeus mostly different from previous; notauli often incomplete; thorax usually with raised reticulation; abdomen often petiolate

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330a (329b). Clypeal margin with deep median incision and asymmetric teeth (Figs.A-B ); antennae inserted below ocular line; notauli (in regional species) complete but posteriorly often very shallow; propodeum convex in median 1/3rd, mostly with indicated ridge; marginal vein slender (Fig.C ........ A.......... Pteromalidae (Miscogasterinae )

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330b. Clypeal margin symmetric, with or without teeth; antennae only rarely inserted below ocular line; mostly some of other characters also different ......... Pteromalidae (Pteromalinae and some Miscogasterinae )

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331a (324b). Gena posteriorly ridged (rarely only with angular edge, in Scutellista); between pedicel and club only 4 (mainly males) or 5 segments (most females) first of which may be shortened, ring-shaped (as in Fig.A); thorax hairiness mostly replaced by distinct and sparse bristles (Fig.B), rarely uniformly hairy (Scutellista, Fig.C); clypeal margin not produced ...........A.. ........... Pteromalidae (Eunotinae )

332

331b. Gena without ridge or edge; antennae different; either 2 or more rounded, segments ring-shaped or with at least 6 segments between pedicel and club (Figs.A-B ); thorax always without stout bristles; clypeal margin mostly produced

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332a (331b). Pronotum large, almost rectangular, with almost parallel sides, anteriorly ridged or rounded (Figs.A-B ); antennae always with 6 segments between pedicel and club, 1^stsegment sometimes ring-shaped; club asymmetric owing to a collapsing area of tiny hairs; face shiny; [abdomen hardly ever collapsed, mostly very convex, often with produced ovipositor] ........ A........ Pteromalidae (Chromeurytominae )

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332b. Pronotum at least medio-dorsally very short and usually rounded, rarely collar separated by blunt edge or ridge (Fig.A ), but then it is less than 1/6th the length of mesoscutum; antenna with 1 small ring segment and often 5 (female) of 6 funicular segments (male), or funicular segments reduced in number and size (Pireninae) in extremes only 2 short segments between pedicel and club, latter mostly symmetric .......... Pteromalidae (Pireninae )

BIBLIOGRAPHY

NOTE:

Illustrations were simplified, corrected and/or updated to suit the present key.

However, please refer to cited authors for greater detail.