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The superfamily Chalcidoidea is one of the largest groups of parasitoid wasps. The species are usually very small and have reduced wing venation. Many have iridescent or other striking coloration. Although some kinds of chalcidoids are plant feeders, most are parasitoids of other insects and are thus considered beneficial. Accordingly, many species are used in biological control programs. Detailed overviews of this group and its families are provided below.

Chalcidoids

Chalcidoid handbook cover Click Here for an introduction to the systematics and biology of the Chalcidoidea.

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