The Scelionids (275 NA spp) are generally small black species with keeled
abdomens, short clubbed antennae, and no wing venation. They are parasitic
on insect and spider eggs. Some that attack grasshopper eggs exhibit phoresy--the
female clamps onto the leg of the grasshopper and only disembarks after
the grasshopper has oviposited. Members of this group are routinely swept
in fair numbers from CCNHA old fields. Several genera and numerous? species
are represented. More than 15 species in the genera Scelio,
Trimorus,
Teleas,
Trisacantha,
Macroteleia,
Telemonus,
Baeus,
Calliscelio, Gyron,
Sparasion,
Synoditella,
and Trisulcushave been
collected.
