Family ORMYRIDAE
Introduction
Ormyridae are a small group, and not very commonly collected. Most species are parasitoids of gall-forming insects, including other chalcids, cynipids and Diptera. In the tropics, some are known to attack insects within galls on figs.
Economic Importance. None.
Distribution. Cosmopolitan.
Classification. There are only two known genera, with all but one species placed in Ormyrus.
Important genera: Ormyrus.
Identification of Australian genera: A single genus, Ormyrus, occurs in Australia. It is treated by Boucek (1988).
Diagnosis
Metasoma strongly sclerotised and tergites with strong punctures or sculpture. Hind tibia with 2 stout apical spurs, at least one of which is curved. Hind coxa long, about twice as long as fore coxa and almost as long as hind femur. Ovipositor never far exserted. Head with horseshoe-shaped occipital carina.
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.