Family MYMARIDAE
Introduction
Mymarids are common, but are often overlooked because they are generally quite small wasps (0.2–1.8 mm); indeed, some members approach the smallest of all insect forms. All mymarids, like trichogrammatids, are egg parasitoids. The most common hosts are Homoptera, but Coleoptera, Psocoptera, Diptera and Orthoptera are also attacked. A few species of mymarids attack eggs of aquatic beetles (e.g. Dytiscidae), for which they must enter the water. One such species, Caraphractus cinctus, swims underwater using its wings as paddles. Mating can also take place underwater, and individuals have been known to remain submerged for 15 days.
Economic Importance. Some species have been used successfully in classical biological control, for example Anaphes nitens against Gonipterus scutellatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a pest of Eucalyptus in various areas of the world. A number of other species are important natural enemies of pests.
Distribution. Cosmopolitan.
Classification. Classification within the Mymaridae remains unsettled. We are following Noyes (2002) and placing all genera in a single subfamily.
Important genera: Gonatocerus, Anagrus, Alaptus, Anaphes, Polynema, Ooctonus.
Identification of Australian genera: There are no keys to Australian genera of Mymaridae. Annecke & Doutt (1961) provided a key to world genera, which needs updating. Noyes & Valentine (1989) provided a key to New Zealand genera.
Diagnosis
Antennal toruli (sockets) closer to eye margin than to each other, separated from the eyes by less than their own diameter. Head with transverse suture above antennal toruli which connects with 2 lateral sutures to form an 'H'. Venation of fore wing reduced; hind wing usually with basal stalk.
General References
Annecke, D.P. & Doutt, R.L. 1961. The genera of the Mymaridae. Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea. Department of Agricultural Technical Services (Republic of South Africa) Entomology Memoir 5: 1-71
Noyes, J.S. 2002. Interactive Catalogue of World Chalcidoidea. (2001, second edition). CD-Rom, Taxapad and The Natural History Museum, London, UK
Noyes, J.S. & Valentine, E.W. 1989. Mymaridae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) — introduction and review of genera. Fauna of New Zealand 17: 1-95