Monomachidae
Family of wasps
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Monomachidae is a family of parasitoid wasps in the order Hymenoptera comprising two genera.[1][2] The species of the family are found in the Southern Hemisphere, primarily in the tropics of the New World with a few from Australia and New Guinea.[3]
| Monomachidae | |
|---|---|
| |
| Monomachus antipodalis | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hymenoptera |
| Superfamily: | Diaprioidea |
| Family: | Monomachidae Ashmead, 1902 |
Description
Species of the family Monomachidae are generally 9.5-11.2 mm in length, occupy a range of colors, and are sexually dimorphic. Females have a long, tapered metasoma of a sickle-shape, while in males the metasoma is thinner and elongated.[4] Both sexes have large, unique mandibles which are diverse in shape throughout the family.[5]
Behavior
Males and females of species in the family Monomachidae engage in different behaviors as adults. While males may fly in swarms in search of females, females will fly closer to the soil in search of hosts.[4]
Known hosts of Monomachidae species are primarily flies, including species of the genus Boreoides and Chiromyza vittata.[4]
Genera
The following genera are recognised in the family Monomachidae:[2]
- Chasca Johnson & Musetti, 2012
- Monomachus Klug, 1841