Eulophidae

Eulophidae is a family of tiny parasitoid wasps in the superfamily Chalcidoidea (order Hymenoptera). The group is diverse, containing hundreds of described genera and thousands of described species, distributed worldwide but richest in tropical regions. The family is divided into several subfamilies, including Eulophinae, Entedoninae, and Tetrastichinae, among others, and taxonomic placement has evolved with new data.

Most species are very small, often less than 3 millimeters in length, with slender bodies and wings that show reduced or distinctive venation compared with larger wasps. Many are plain brown or black, while some genera are metallic. Identification typically requires careful examination of minute morphological features and, increasingly, molecular data.

Eulophidae are parasitoids of other arthropods. They are mainly endoparasitoids of insect eggs and early instars, attacking hosts such as leaf miners, aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, and other small pests. Some species are gregarious within a single host, while most are solitary. Hosts may be found in plant tissue, within concealed habitats, or on exposed surfaces.

Ecology and practical use: Eulophids contribute to natural pest regulation and have been employed in biological control programs. Genera such as Diglyphus and Pnigalio have been released against leafminers and aphids in crops and greenhouses, with outcomes influenced by host range, environment, and release strategies.

Distribution and diversity: The family is cosmopolitan with particularly high diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Ongoing taxonomic work, revisions, and molecular phylogenetics continue to refine the classification and describe new species, many of which remain undescribed.