Family LEUCOSPIDAE
Introduction
This is a small family of chalcidoids, and not commonly collected. They are among the largest of the chalcidoids, with some species up to 16 mm in length. Leucospids are parasitoids of solitary aculeate Hymenoptera, mostly solitary bees.
Economic Importance. None.
Distribution. Tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Classification. All leucospids are placed in a single subfamily.
Important genera: Leucospis.
Identification of Australian genera: Leucospis is the only Australian genus. It is treated in Boucek (1988).
Diagnosis
Hind femur swollen with ventral surface toothed. Prepectus reduced. Tegula elongate, more than 2 times longer than wide. Forewing often longitudinally folded. Ovipositor generally exserted and curving upward over the abdomen. Without metallic coloration. Generally larger chalcidoids (up to 16 mm in length).
General References
Boucek, Z. 1988. Australasian Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera). A biosystematic revision of genera of fourteen families, with a reclassification of species. London : CAB International 832 pp.