Family TANAOSTIGMATIDAE
Introduction
The Tanaostigmatidae is a small family, that is not generally encountered. Species for which the biology is known are mostly phytophagous, and always associated with galls, either as gall-formers or inquilines.
Economic Importance. One species known as a pest of pigeon pea in India.
Distribution. Tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
Classification. The tanaostigmatids have not been further divided into subfamilies.
Important genera: Tanaostigmodes.
Identification of Australian genera: Keys to Australasian genera are included in Boucek (1988).
Diagnosis
Mesopleuron large, convex, longer than high. Prepectus large, distinctly swollen and rounded anteriorly; easily visible in dorsal view as prominent 'shoulders' at the side of the thorax. Notauli present, sinuate, usually converging or meeting at the midline of the mesoscutum. Mesoscutum normally convex, with any median grooves or furrows.
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.