Overview
Charipinae, which lack mesosomal sculpturing, are
hyperparasitoids
of aphid or psylloid (Hemiptera) primary hosts; Figitinae are
endoparasitoids
of Diptera (flies) and are often associated with dung flies; while Anacharitinae parasitise green and brown lacewings (Neuroptera). The largest subfamily is the Eucoilinae which are easily identified by the presence of a raised, medially depressed plate or 'cup' on the scutellum, and are endoparasitic on various cyclorrhaphan Diptera.
Description
This family has recently been redefined on phylogenetic grounds to include the Charipidae and Eucoilidae, now assigned to the status of subfamilies within a broader definition of Figitidae. Figitids are all relative small species (1.5 3 mm) that are characterised by having a weak point in the 9th metasomal tergum of females that allows some flexibility in the ovipositor, and the Rs+M vein in the fore wing issuing close to Cu.
Distribution
Figitidae is the largest cynipoid family in the region with 35 described species in Australia and six in New Zealand. There are also a significant number of undescribed taxa, possibly six times this number or more.
Further information about the Figitidae can be found in Fergusson 1995, Richie 1993 and Ronquist 1999.