Family PERILAMPIDAE
Introduction
The Perilampidae is a small family that is not commonly collected. Many perilampids are hyperparasitoids of Lepidoptera, developing through Hymenoptera (Ichneumonidae, Braconidae) or Diptera (Tachinidae). Other species are primary parasitoids of Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, or Neuroptera. The biology of perilampids is often quite complex. In species that are primary parasitoids, the active first instar larvae, or planidia, are external and attack the host at time pf pupation. With hyperparasitic species, the planidia seek out and enter hosts that would serve as potential primary hosts for other parasitoids. If the primary parasitoid is present, the planidia then enters the primary parasitoid's body, waits without further development for the primary to finish its development and pupate, at which point the planidia exits the primary to feed externally.
Economic Importance. None.
Distribution. Cosmopolitan.
Classification. For ease of discussion, we are following the classification of Boucek (1988) who recognised two subfamilies: Perilampinae and Chrysolampinae. Other authors have felt that the Chrysolampinae more properly belongs in the Pteromalidae.
Important genera: Perilampus, Chrysolampus.
Identification of Australian genera: Keys to Australasian genera are included in Boucek (1988).
Diagnosis
Prepectus lying in the same plane with, and usually fused to, the lateral face of the pronotum. The first 2 gastral segments generally accounting for almost all of the exposed gastral dorsum. Thorax often with coarse punctures. Labrum 'digitate'. Most species are robust, rather large (1.3–5.5 mm), and strongly sculptured.
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.