Eurytomidae

Eurytomidae is a family of small, often minute, gall-forming wasps belonging to the superfamily Cynipoidea. These wasps are known for their ability to induce galls on a wide variety of host plants, including trees, shrubs, and herbs. The family is cosmopolitan in distribution, with species found on every continent except Antarctica. Eurytomidae is one of the largest families of gall-inducing hymenopterans, with over 1,000 described species.

The larvae of Eurytomidae wasps typically develop within the galls they induce, feeding on the host plant tissue. The galls can vary greatly in size and shape, depending on the species and the host plant. Some species induce galls on the leaves, while others induce galls on the stems, flowers, or fruits of their host plants. The galls can be either convex or concave, and they may be solitary or aggregated.

The adults of Eurytomidae wasps are small, often less than 1 mm in length, and have a distinctive appearance with a long, slender body and a narrow waist. They are typically black or dark brown in color, with some species exhibiting metallic iridescence. The adults are often attracted to flowers and nectar, and they play an important role in pollination.

Eurytomidae wasps are of interest to both entomologists and horticulturists due to their ability to induce galls on a wide variety of host plants. Some species are considered pests, as they can cause damage to crops and ornamental plants. However, others are valued for their role in pollination and their potential as biological control agents. The taxonomy of Eurytomidae is complex, with many species and subspecies described, and ongoing research continues to shed light on the diversity and biology of this fascinating group of wasps.