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For educational purposes only; do not review, quote or abstract:--

A Public Service on the basics of Insect Identification

 

 

GUIDE TO INSECT FAMILIES, WITH EMPHASIS ON

                                     PARASITOIDS & PREDATORS 1   2

 

                                                                               E. F. Legner, University of California, Riverside

                                                                                                                                                               (Email Contacts)

                                                                                                

          This key is in a form commonly used in North America.  If the statement is true, proceed to the designated couplet, whereas if it is false, go to the "b" portion of the couplet.  Numbers in parentheses refer to the previous couplet or couplets read.  Details on families may be found in  <taxnames.htm>.  See MORPHOLOGY to learn about insect structure.  [For less powerful  connections, please try <insect1.htm> ]  -- The Class Entognatha is included herein  Citations

 

          (For References, please refer to  <Biology References> & <General References> [Additional references may be found at:  MELVYL Library]

 

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----Please CLICK on desired underlined categories to view pictures and to navigate in the key

                                   [A   will display all images for both pairs of a couplet]

 

                     ===============================================================

 

1a.    Adults have well-developed wings...........................................................................................................…................….......2

 

1b.    Adults wingless or with wings vestigial or rudimentary (nymphs, larvae & some adults)…..........................................….28

 

2a (1a).    Wings membranous, not hardened or leathery.......................................................................................…….............….3

 

2b.    Front wings hardened or leathery, at least at base (Figs.A-E); hind wings, if present, usually membranous .  . . A .. 24

 

3a (3a).    Only 1 pair of wings...................................................................................................................................……............4

 

3b.    Two pairs of wings...........................................................................................................................................…......….....10

 

4a (3a).    Body shaped like a grasshopper; pronotum ( = dorsal plate or sclerite of prothorax) extends back over abdomen and is pointed apically; hind legs enlarged (Figs.A-F)  ……..............................……. [pygmy grasshoppers... A......Orthoptera

 

4b. Body not shaped like a grasshopper;  pronotum not as previous; hind legs not so enlarged.................................................. 5

 

5a (4b).     Antennae with at least 1 segment bearing along lateral process; front wings minute, hind wings like a fan (Figs.A-B); minute insects [male twisted-winged parasitoids)  A  ………...........…………........…........................Strepsiptera....…..217

 

5b.     Does not fit previous description exactly.........................................................................................................…......…..... 6

 

6a (5b).    Abdomen with 1-3 thread-like or bristle-like caudal (= tail) filaments; mouthparts vestigia ......................................7

 

6b.     Abdomen without thread-like or bristle-like caudal filaments; mouthparts almost always developed, mandibulate (= chewing)  or for sucking ....………..... ..................... ..................... ..........................................................................….........…....8

 

7a (6a).    Antennae long and conspicuous; abdomen terminates in one long style (rarely 2); wings with a single forked vein (Fig.A); halteres (= knobbed modified hind wings) present and  usually terminating in a hooklike bristle; minute insects,  usually <5 mm in length [male scale insects] ......   A................................................................................................…......Homoptera

 

7b.    Antennae short, bristle-like, and inconspicuous; abdomen with 2-3 thread-like caudal filaments; wings with numerous veins and cells; halteres absent; usually >5 mm in length  (Fig. A) [mayflies] ........................................................Ephemeroptera

 

8a (6b).    Tarsi almost always with 5 segments; mouthparts for sucking; hind wings knob-like, reduced to halteres (Figs.A-E); body lightly sclerotized  (= hardened) [flies]..... A. .....................................................................................Diptera...........88

 

8b.    Tarsi with 2-3-segments; mouthparts variable; hind wings reduced or absent, not haltere-like ..................................................................................................................................................……..............................................9

 

9a (8b).    Mouthparts mandibulate (Figs.A-E)[psocids]...... A ................................................Psocoptera (= Corrodentia)

 

9b.    Mouthparts for sucking (Figs.A-C) [some planthoppers & leafhoppers] .........................................................Homoptera

 

10a (3b).    Wings mostly or entirely covered with scales (Fig. A); mouthparts usually in the form of a coiled proboscis (Fig.B); antennae with many segments (Figs.C-G) [butterflies & moths] ...............A. ...................................... Lepidoptera….....227

 

10b.    Wings not covered with scales; mouthparts not a coiled proboscis, antennae variable…….............................................11

 

11a (10b).    Wings long and narrow, veinless or with only 1-2 veins, and fringed with long hairs (Fig.A); tarsi with 1-2 segments, the last segment swollen; minute insects, usually <5 mm in length (Figs.A-D) [thrips]....... A..........Thysanoptera

 

11b.    Wings not as previously described , or if wings are somewhat linear, then the tarsi have more than 2 segments............12

 

12a (11b).    Front wings relatively large and usually triangular; hind wings small and usually rounded, the wings at rest held together above the body; wings usually with many veins and cells; antennae short, bristle-like, and inconspicuous; abdomen with 2-3 thread-like caudal filaments (Fig.A); delicate, soft-bodied insects (Fig.B)  [mayflies]... A...............Ephemeroptera

 

12b.    Not as previously described......................................................................................….. .............…................................13

 

13a (12b).    Tarsi with 5 segments......................................................................................…................. ..............…................14

 

13b.    Tarsi with 4 or less segments............................................................................................ .....................……..................17

 

14a (13a).    Front wings obviously hairy; mouthparts usually very much reduced except for the palps; antennae usually as long as body or longer; somewhat soft-bodied insects  (Figs.A-F) [caddis flies.... A..................................................Trichoptera

 

14b.    Front wings not hairy, at the most with microscopic hairs; mandibles well developed; antennae shorter than body......15

 

15a (14b).    Body quite hard, wasplike insects; clypeus not elongated; the abdomen often constricted at base, 1st abdominal segment fused to thorax; fore wings distinctly larger than  hind wings and with fewer veins; front wings with 20 or less cells (Figs.A-F)[sawflies, bees and wasps]....... A......................................................................................Hymenoptera……...118

 

15b.      Body soft, not wasplike, the abdomen not constricted at base; hind wings about the same size as front wings and usually with about as many veins; front wings frequently with more than 20 cells........................................................…........16

 

16a (15b).    Costal area of front wings (= area just behind anterior margin) nearly always with numerous cross veins per pair of longitudinal veins (Fig.A), or if not (Fig.B) then hind wings shorter than front wings; mouthparts not prolonged ventrally into a beak  (Figs.C-G) [lacewings, dobsonflies, antlions]  ... A.......................................................................Neuroptera……..194

 

16b.    Costal area of front wings with not more than 2-3 cross veins per pair of longitudinal veins (Fig.A); mouthparts prolonged ventrally to form a beak-like process (Figs.B-D [scorpionflies]...........................................................….....Mecoptera

 

17a (13b).    Hind wings as long as front wings and of the same shape or wider at base, the wings at rest held above the body or extended out (never held flat over abdomen); wings with many veins and cells; antennae short, bristle-like, and inconspicuous; abdomen long and slender (Figs.A-B); tarsi with 3 segments; length 20-85 mm [dragonflies, damselflies)  A ….......Odonata

 

17b.    Not as previously described...................................................................... ............. .......................................….............18

 

18a (17b).    Mouthparts for sucking................................................................... ...................................……...........................19

 

18b.    Mouthparts mandibulate (= chewing).....................................................................…..... .................................…..........20

 

19a (18a).    Beak arises from front part of head (Figs.A-E) [gnat bugs..Hemiptera /Heteroptera...A ........................... 140  

 

19b.    Beak arises from hind part of head (Fig.A) [cicadas, some hoppers, aphids, some psyllids  and whiteflies] ...Homoptera

 

20a (18b).    Tarsi with 4 segments; front and hind wings similar in size, shape and venation  (Figs.A-E)  cerci tiny  or absent [termites]..... A........………….......................................................................................................................…..........Isoptera

 

20b.    Tarsi with 3 or less segments; hind wings usually shorter than front wings; cerci either present or absent....................21

 

21a (20b).    Hind wings with anal area nearly always enlarged and forming a lobe, which is folded like a fan at rest; venation varying from normal to very dense, the front wings usually with several cross veins between Cu-1 and M and between Cu-1 and Cu-2 (Fig. A); cerci  present and often fairly long; mostly 10 mm or more in length; nymphs aquatic, and adults

usually near water (Figs.A-F) [stoneflies].... A.........................................................................................................Plecoptera

 

21b.    Hind wings without an enlarged anal area and not folded at rest; venation normal or reduced, with no extra cross veins; short cerci present or absent; mostly 10 mm in length or less; nymphs not aquatic and adults not regularly near water.….......22

 

22a (21b).    Tarsi with 3 segments, basal segment of front tarsi enlarged   A  ...........(Figs.A-B) [webspinners].Embioptera

 

22b.    Tarsi with 2-3 segments, basal segment of front tarsi not enlarged.............................. ............ ..................……….........23

 

23a (22b).    Cerci present; tarsi with 2 segments; wing venation reduced (Figs.A-D); moniliform  (= bead-like) antennae  with 9 segments ............. A.................................................................................................................................................Zoraptera

 

23b.    Cerci absent; tarsi with 2-3 segments; wing venation not much reduced (Figs.A-D);antennae not moniliform, usually long and hairlike, with 13 or more segments  ............................................................................................Psocoptera (= Corrodentia)

 

24a (2b).    Mouthparts for sucking, beak elongated and usually segmented (Figs.A-B)...... A ....…....................................25

 

24b.    Mouthparts mandibulate.................................. ...........................................................................…................….............26

 

25a (24a).    Beak arises from front of head (Fig.A); basal portion of fore wing usually thickened and leathery, but membranous at tip, the tips overlapping at rest (Fig.B)   A  [true bugs].................................................Hemiptera / Heteroptera.…...140

 

25b.    Beak arises from hind part of head, often appearing to begin at base of front legs; front  wings of uniform texture throughout, the tips not, or only slightly, overlapping at rest [leafhoppers & some psyllids] .....................................Homoptera

 

26a (24b).    Abdominal cerci like forceps (Fig.A); front wings short, leaving most of abdomen  exposed; tarsi with 3 segments (Fig.A) [earwigs]...... A........…...............................................................................................................................Dermaptera

 

26b.    Abdominal cerci not like forceps, or if cerci appear as such, then front wings cover most of abdomen; tarsi variable ..........................................................................................................… ................................ .................…….......... .27

 

27a (26b).    Front wings entirely leathery and without veins and usually meet in a straight line down middle of back; antennae generally with 11 or fewer segments and have diverse shapes (Figs.A-I); hind wings narrow, usually longer than front wings when unfolded, and  with few veins (Figs.J-O) [beetles].... A..................................................................Coleoptera.…....152

 

27b.    Front wings with veins and either held like a roof over abdomen or overlapping over abdomen when at rest; antennae generally with >12 segments; hind wings broad, usually shorter than front wings, and with many veins (Fig.A), usually folded like a fan at rest  [crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches and preying mantids]..................... .................…...................Orthoptera

 

28a (1b).    Body usually insect-like, with segmented legs and usually segmented antennae…..................................…............29

 

28b.    Body generally worm-like, body regions (except possibly head) not well differentiated, and segmented thoracic legs absent; antennae present or absent............... ............. ............. ............. ............. ................................................…......……....74

 

29a (28a).    Front wings present but rudimentary; hind wings absent or represented by halteres;tarsi almost always with 5 segments [some flies]..................... ............. ............. ............. ............. .........................................................Diptera…….......88

 

29b.    Wings entirely absent or with 4 rudimentary wings and no halteres; tarsi variable........ .................................……........30

 

30a (29b).     Antennae absent; length 1.5 mm or less (Fig.A); usually occur in soil or leaf litter.   A ............. ............. ..........

......................................................... ............. ............. ................................................................Protura (in Class Entognatha)

 

30b.    Antennae usually present (sometimes small); size and habitat variable.......... ............. .................................…….........31

 

31a (30b).    Ectoparasites of birds, mammals, or honey bees and usually found on the host; body somewhat leathery and usually flattened dorsoventrally or laterally . ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. .......................................................32

 

31b.    Free-living (not ectoparasitic), terrestrial or aquatic............................ ............. ................................................……......36

 

32a (31a).    Tarsi with 5 segments; antennae short and usually concealed in grooves on head; mouthparts for sucking .........33

 

32b.    Tarsi with fewer than 5 segments; antennae and mouthparts variable.............. ............. ..........................……..............34

 

33a (32a).    Body flattened laterally; usually jumping insects, with rather long legs (Fig.A)   A [fleas]..........Siphonaptera

 

33b.    Body flattened dorsoventrally; not jumping insects, legs usually short (Fig.A) [louse flies, bat flies & bee lice] ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ...................................................................................................................…............Diptera

 

34a (32b).    Antennae decidedly longer than head; tarsi 3-segmented (Fig.A) [bed bugs and   A bat bugs] ............. .............

............................................................................... ............. ............. ............. ......................................Hemiptera / Heteroptera

 

34b.    Antennae not longer than head; tarsi with 1 segment........ ............. ................................................................………....35

 

35a (34b).    Head as wide as or wider than prothorax; mouthparts mandibulate; parasites of birds  (with 2 tarsal claws) and mammals (with 1 small tarsal claw) (Figs.A-D)    A ………………………................………….[chewing lice] Mallophaga

 

35b.    Head usually more narrow than prothorax; mouthparts haustellate (= for sucking); parasites of mammals with 1 large

tarsal claw (Figs.A-B) [sucking lice]…… ............. ............. ............. ........................……..........…. Phthiraptera (= Anoplura)

 

36a (31b).    Mouthparts for sucking, with a conical or elongated beak enclosing stylets...… ............. ..................….......…....37

 

36b.    Mouthparts mandibulate (sometimes hidden in head), not beaklike............... ............. .......................……....................41

 

37a (36a).    Tarsi with 5 segments; maxillary or labial palps ( = segmented processes) present .............................................38

 

37b.    Tarsi with 4 or fewer segments; palps small or absent............... ............. .....................................................……..........39

 

38a (37a).    Body covered with scales; beak usually in the form of a coiled tube; antennae long and with many segments

[wingless moths] ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ......................................................................Lepidoptera…...227

 

38b.    Body not covered with scales; beak not coiled; antennae variable, but often short, with 3 or less segments [wingless

 flies] ............. ............. ............. ............. .......................................................................................................Diptera.………..88

 

39a (37b).    Mouthparts in the form of a cone located basally on ventral side of head; palps present but short; body elongated, usually <5 mm in length; antennae about as long as head and prothorax combined, not bristle-like, and 4-9 segmented; tarsi 1-2 segments, often without claws (Fig.A) [thrips....... A ......... ................................................…............….......Thysanoptera

 

39b.    Mouthparts as an elongated segmented beak; palps absent; other characters variable. ............. .....................……........40

 

40a (39b).    Beak arises from front part of head; antennae with 4-5 segments and not bristle-like; tarsi usually with 3 segments; abdomen without cornicles (= dorsal tubular structures on posterior abdomen ) [true bugs]. ... A. ............. ............. .............

................... ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. .......................................Hemiptera / Heteroptera.....….140

 

40b.    Beak arises from rear of head; antennae either with >5 segments (and tarsi with 2 segments) or bristle-like (and tarsi with 3 segments); abdomen often with a pair of cornicles (Fig.A) [aphids, hoppers, etc.]...................................................Homoptera

 

41a (36b).    Abdomen very constricted at base; antennae often elbowed; tarsi with 5 segments; bodies hard, ant-like [ants & wingless wasps]............................ ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ..........................................Hymenoptera.....118

 

41b.    Abdomen not very constricted at base; antennae not elbowed; tarsi variable........ ............. ..........................……..........42

 

42a (41b).    Abdomen with 3 long thread-like caudal filaments and with style-like appendages on some abdominal segments (Fig.A); mouthparts mandibulate, but often somewhat   A retracted into head; body almost always covered with scales;

terrestrial [bristletails] ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ....................….....…..43

 

42b.    Abdomen with only 2 thread-like caudal filaments or none; if with 3 [mayfly nymphs] then aquatic; other characters

variable ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ...............................................................................................……….......44

 

43a (42a).    Compound eyes large and usually contiguous; body somewhat cylindrical, with thorax arched; ocelli present; middle and hind coxae often with styli; abdominal styli (= bristlelike processes) on segments 2-9 (Fig.A).... A..................

 ............. ............. ........................Class: Insecta; Subclass Monocondylia: Order: Arachaeognatha..……..............Microcoryphia  

 

43b.    Compound eyes small and widely separated or absent; body somewhat flattened dorsoventrally, thorax not arched; ocelli present or absent; middle and hind coxae without styli;  abdominal segments 1-6 (sometimes 7) without styli (Fig.A) [silverfish]

............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ......................……......…..Thysanura

 

44a (42b).    Aquatic insects, often with tracheal gills (= protruding externally at spiracles ).… ............. .......................…...45

 

44b.    Terrestrial insects, without tracheal gills.................................................................……...........…... ............. ..................52

 

45a (44a).    Nymphs; compound eyes and usually wing pads present...................... ............. .......................……...................46

 

45b.    Larvae; compound eyes and wing pads absent.................................................. ............. ......................……...................48

 

46a (45a).    Prehensile labium (= lower lip), folded under head at rest, and when extended much longer than head (Figs.A-G) [dragonfly and damselfly nymphs]...... A. ..…...... ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ...............................Odonata

 

46b.    Labium normal, not as previously described.................. ............. ..........................................................……...................47

 

47a (46b).    Having 3 caudal filaments; tarsi with 1 claw; gills located on lateral margins of abdominal terga (= dorsal plates or sclerites)  and usually leaflike or plate-like  A... (Figs.A-C) [mayfly nymphs].... .........................................Ephemeroptera

 

47b.     With 2 caudal filaments; tarsi with 2 claws; gills mostly present, somewhat fingerlike, usually located on underside of

thorax (Figs.A-D) [stonefly nymphs] .... ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ................................................Plecoptera

 

48a (45b).    Having 5 pairs of prolegs (= fleshy abdominal legs) on ventral side of abdomen, the prolegs with tiny hooks (crochets) [aquatic caterpillars].... ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ..............................................Lepidoptera.....227

 

48b.    Abdominal segments without prolegs or with only one terminal pair..................... ............. .....................…........….....49

 

49a (48b).    Mouthparts with 2 slender and elongated structures, longer than head; antennae long and slender, or least 1/3rd as long as body; tarsi with 1 claw (Fig.A); live in freshwater sponges [Sisyridae larvae]... A..................Neuroptera.….......194

 

49b.    Mouthparts, and usually also antennae, short and not as described previously.........… ............. ........................….......50

 

50a (49b).    Tarsi with 2 claws; abdomen with long slender lateral processes and a long slender terminal process (Figs A & B) [Sialidae] or with slender lateral processes and a pair of hooklike structures apically (Fig. C.) [Corydalidae, fishfly and alderfly larvae ...... A..................................................................................................................................................Neuroptera.....194

 

50b.    Tarsi with 1-2 claws; if with 2, then abdomen not as described previously........... ............. ............. .............................51

 

51a (50b).    Abdomen with a pair of hooks, usually on anal prolegs, at posterior end and without long lateral processes (but at times with finger-like gills); tarsi with 1 claw; usually living in cases (Figs.A-F) [caddisfly larvae]..... A............Trichoptera

 

51b.    Abdomen with 4 hooks at posterior end or none, and with or without long lateral processes; tarsi with 1-2 claws (Fig.A); not living in cases [beetle larvae]....................... ............. ............. ............. ............. ....................................... Coleoptera......152

 

52a (44b).    Mouthparts usually withdrawn into head and not obvious; abdomen with stylelike appendages on some segments or with a forked appendage near end of abdomen; usually <7 mm long..............................................................….....................53

 

52b.    Mouthparts usually distinct, mandibulate or haustellate (= for sucking); abdomen without appendages as described previously; size variable...................................................…….. ............. ............. ............. ............. .............................…........54

 

53a (52a).    Antennae long, with many segments; abdomen with at least 9 segments and with stylelike appendages on ventral side of some segments; without a forked appendage near end of abdomen, but with well developed cerci (Figs.A-C) ... A. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. .....................................Diplura (in Class Entognatha)

 

53b.    Antennae short, with 6 or less segments; abdomen with 6 or less segments and usually with a forked appendage near posterior end (Figs.A-G) [springtails]. ............. ............. ............. ............. ....................…Collembola (in Class Entognatha)

 

54a (52b).    Body larviform ( = shaped like a worm or larva), thorax and abdomen not differentiated; compound eyes present

[larviform beetles] ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ...............…......……… Coleoptera…......152

 

54b.    Body shape variable, but if larviform, then without compound eyes.......... ............. ....................................…….........55

 

55a (54b).    Compound eyes usually present; body shape variable, but usually not worm-like; wing pads often present [adults

& nymphs]....................................................... ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. .......................................56

 

55b.    Compound eyes and wing pads absent, body usually worm-like in shape [larvae].....…..… ............. ...........................65

 

56a (55a).    Tarsi with 5 segments............................ ...........................................................................…….............................57

 

56b.    Tarsi with 4 or less segments ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. .........................................59

 

57a (56a).    Mouthparts prolonged ventrally into a snout-like process (Fig.A); body somewhat  A .............cylindrical and usually <15 mm long (Fig.A) [wingless scorpionflies].......…............ ............. ............. ............. ............................... Mecoptera

 

57b.    Mouthparts not as previously described; body shape and size variable............ ............. ..................….........................58

 

58a (57b).    Antennae with 5 segments; Texas (some && twisted-winge parasitoids;.Mengeidae]....Strepsiptera...............217

 

58b.    Antennae with >5 segments; widely distributed (Figs.A-G) [rock crawlers, walking   A  sticks & some cockroaches ............. ............. ............. ............. ............. .............]......................................................................…........................Orthoptera

 

59a (56b).    Cerci like forceps; tarsi with 3 segments...................... ............. ......................................……...............................60

 

59b.    Cerci absent or, if present, not like forceps; tarsi variable........................... ............. ......................…….........................61

 

60a (59a).    Antennae more than 1/2 as long as body; cerci short; western U.S.A. [Timemidae]............................... Orthoptera

 

60b.    Antennae usually less than 1/2 as long as body; cerci long (Fig.A); widely distributed   A [earwigs] ......................... ...................………………………………………………………………………......... .................................…...… Dermaptera

 

61a (59b). Tarsi with 3 segments, basal segment of front tarsi enlarged (Figs.A-B) [webspinners]... .........................Embioptera

 

61b.    Tarsi with 2-4 segments, basal segment of front tarsi not enlarged.....................…....... ................................…...............62

 

62a (61b).    Appearance like grasshoppers, with hind legs enlarged and fitted for jumping; length usually >15 mm (Figs.A-E) [grasshoppers]… A……...…….........................................................................................……………............… Orthoptera

 

62b.    Not like grasshoppers, hind legs usually not as previously described; length <10 mm ….......................................…....63

 

63a (62b).    Tarsi with 4 segments; pale, soft bodies, wood- or ground-inhabiting insects   A  (Figs.A-E) [termites] ................... ................... ...................................................................................................................................................Isoptera

 

63b.    Tarsi with 2-3 segments; color and habits variable............................. ...............................................…............…..........64

 

64a (63b).    Cerci present, 1 segmented, and terminating in a long bristle; antennae with 9 segments and moniliform (Figs.A-C); compound eyes and ocelli absent (= simple  yes); tarsi with 2 segments.... A........................................................Zoraptera

 

64b.    Cerci absent; antennae with 13 or more segments and usually hair-like (Fig.A); compound eyes and 3 ocelli usually present; tarsi with 2-3 segments [psocids............................................................................. …......Psocoptera (= Corrodentia)

 

65a (55b).    Ventral prolegs (= fleshy abdominal legs) present on 2 or more abdominal segments (Figs.A-B)..... A...........66

 

65b.    Abdominal prolegs absent or on terminal segment only................. ....................................................…….....................68

 

66a (65a).    Have 5 pairs prolegs (on abdominal segments 3-6 & 10) or fewer (Fig. A), the prolegs with tiny hooks (crochets); several (usually 6) ocelli on each side of head [caterpillars] ................... ............................................... Lepidoptera…….....227

 

66b.    Have 6 or more pairs of abdominal prolegs, the prolegs without crochets; ocelli number variable ..................…….......67

 

67a (66b).    Ocelli, 7 or more, on each side of head; prolegs on segments 1-8 or 3-8, usually faint pointed structures (Fig.A) [scorpionfly larvae]........ A.....................................................................................................................................Mecoptera

 

67b.    Ocellus (one) on each side of head; prolegs fleshy and not pointed, usually on abdominal segments 2-8 & 10, sometimes on 2-7 or 2-6 & 10 (Figs.A-B) [sawfly larvae] ................... ...................................................................Hymenoptera.……..118

 

68a (65b).    Mandible and maxilla on each side united to form a sucking jaw that is often long (Figs.A-B); tarsi with 2 claws; labrum absent or fused with head capsule; maxillary   A palps absent [Planipennia: lacewing & antlion larvae] ...................

..... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ....................................Neuroptera…..........194

 

68b.    Mandibles and maxillae not as previously described; tarsi with 1-2 claws; labrum and maxillary palps usually present ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... .............................….....69

 

69a (68b).    Head and mouthparts prognathous (= directed forward), the head ca. as long alongmidventral line as along middorsal line and usually cylindrical or a bit flattened ....…. ................... ................... ................... ........................................70

 

69b.    Head and mouthparts hypognathous (= directed ventrally), the head much longer along middorsal line than along midventral line and usually rounded................ ................... ................... ................... .................................………...................72

 

70a (69a).    Tarsi with 1 claw [some beetle larvae].......................................................................................……......Coleoptera

 

70b.    Tarsi with 2 claws........................................................................... .............................................................……............71

 

71a (70b).    Distinct labrum (= upper lip) and clypeus (= hardened plate on lower face between frons and labium)  present [Raphidiodea: snakefly larvae].......... ................... ................... ................... ...................................................Neuroptera.....194

 

71b.    Labrum absent or fused with head capsule [most Adephaga: beetle larvae] ............… ....................….....….. Coleoptera

 

72a (69b).    Front legs noticeably smaller than other pairs; middle and hind legs projecting laterally much more than front legs; a small group of ocelli (usually 3) on each side of head behind bases of antennae; tarsal claws absent; length <5 mm; usually found in moss [Boreidae larvae]...................... ...........................................................................................…...............….....Mecoptera

 

72b.    Legs not as previously described, front and middle legs ca. same size and position; ocelli variable; tarsi with 1-3 claws; size and habitat variable......... ................... ................... ................... ........................................................…...........……...........73

 

73a (72b).    Tarsi with 1-2 claws; abdomen usually without caudal filaments; antennae variable  [beetle larvae]...... Coleoptera

 

73b.    Tarsi usually with 3 claws; abdomen with 2 caudal filaments ca. 1/3rd as long as body (Fig.A); antennae usually short with 3 segments [triungulin (= active 1st instar) larvae   A of some beetles, Meloidae, and twisted-winged parasitoids].

................................................................................................................ Coleoptera.....152  and ................ Strepsiptera…....217

 

74a (28b).    Aquatic [fly larvae].................................................................... .....................................................……......Diptera

 

74b.    Terrestrial or parasitic (not aquatic).............. ..............................................................................................…….............75

 

75a (74b).    Sessile, plant feeding; body covered by a scale or waxy substance; mouthparts for sucking, long and thread-like [female scales]................ ................... ................... ................... ...........................................................................…...Homoptera

 

75b.    Not the same as previously described.................................... .......................................................................……...........76

 

76a (75b).    Head and thorax almost fused, and abdominal segmentation indistinct (Fig.A);  A internal parasitoids of other insects [female twisted-winged parasitoids].. ................... ................... ................... ....................Strepsiptera.. ...................222

 

76b.    Head not fused with thorax, body segmentation distinct; habitat variable.......... ................................……....................77

 

77a (76b).    Head distinct, sclerotized, and usually pigmented and exserted.................. ..............................……....................78

 

77b.    Head indistinct, incompletely or not at all sclerotized, sometimes retracted into thorax…......................................…...85

 

78a (77a).    Head and mouthparts prognathous (= directed forward), the head ca. as long along midventral line as along middorsal line and usually cylindrical or slightly flattened..….. ................... ................... ................... ....................................79

 

78b.    Head and mouthparts hypognathous (= directed ventrally), the head much longer along middorsal line than along midventral line and usually rounded................. ................... ................... ................... .....................................….......……......82

 

79a (78a).    Terminal abdominal segment with a pair of short pointed processes; several long setae on each body segment (Fig.A) [flea larvae]... A. ......... ................... ................... ................... ......................................................…....Siphonaptera

 

79b.    Not exactly as previously described............................. .................................................................…............…..............80

 

80a (79b).    Labium with a protruding spinneret (= silk-producing structure); antennae arising from membranous area at bases of mandibles; mandibles well developed, opposable; body usually slightly flattened; ventral prolegs usually with crochets; mostly leaf miners in leaves, bark, or fruits [moth larvae]....................................................................................Lepidoptera......227

 

80b.    Labium without a spinneret; antennae, if present, arising from head capsule; prolegs  without crochets. .....................81

 

81a (80b).    Mouthparts distinctly mandibulate, with opposable mandibles; spiracles usually present on thorax and 8 abdominal segments; body shape variable [beetle larvae]... ................... ................... ................... .............................. Coleoptera

 

81b.    Mouthparts as previously described or with mouth hooks somewhat parallel and moving vertically; spiracles variable, but usually not as previously described; body elongated [Nematocera & some Brachycera fly larvae]............................Diptera

 

82a (78b).    Abdominal segments usually with 1 or more longitudinal folds laterally or lateroventrally; body C-shaped, scarabaeiform (Fig.A); 1 pair of spiracles on thorax and usually 8 pairs on abdomen [beetle larvae, white grubs]...............

................... ................... ................... ............................................... ......................................... A....…….......... Coleoptera

 

82b.    Abdominal segments without longitudinal folds, or if present, then spiracles not as previously described....................83

 

83a (82b).    Head with adfrontal areas (= pair of narrow oblique sclerites on head) (as in Fig.A); labium with a projecting spinneret; if present, antennae arise from  membranous area at base of mandibles; often 1 or more ocelli (usually 6) on each side of  head; ventral prolegs, if present, with crochets [moth larvae]..…… ....................................................................Lepidoptera

 

83b.    Head without adfrontal areas, and labium without a spinneret; antennae and ocelli not as previously described; prolegs, if present, without crochets................................... ................... ................... ................... ..................................….........…..........84

 

84a (83b).    Mandibles not heavily sclerotized and not brush-like; spiracles usually present on thorax and most abdominal segments, the posterior pair not enlarged; larvae occur in plant tissues  as phytophagous parasites, or in cells constructed by adults [Apocrita]… ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ...................................Hymenoptera.....118

 

84b.    Mandibles usually brush-like; spiracles usually not as previously described-- if present on several abdominal segments, the posterior pair is much larger than the rest; occur in wet places, in plant tissues, or as internal parasites (Fig.A)  A  [fly larvae, mainly Nematocera] ................... ................... ................... ....................................................…...........................Diptera

 

85a (77b).     Mouthparts mandibulate, with opposable mandibles and maxillae; antennae  usually present [beetle larvae]

..................... ................... ................... ................... .................................................................................….... Coleoptera

 

85b.    Mouthparts reduced or modified, with only the mandibles opposable, or with parallel mouth hooks present; antennae usually absent................... ................... ................... ................... ............................................................................……...........86

 

86a (85b).    Body behind "head" (first body segment) consisting of 13 segments; full grown larvae usually with a sclerotized ventral plate ("breast bone") located ventrally behind head [Cecidomyiidae larvae]......................................................... Diptera

 

86b.    Body with fewer segments than previously described; no "breast bone".........................……........................................87

 

87a (86b).    Mouthparts consist of 1-2 (if 2 then parallel, not opposable) median, dark colored, down curved mouth hooks [Cyclorrhapha maggots].......................... ................... ................... ................... .............................................................. Diptera

 

87b.    Mandibles opposable, but at times reduced, without mouth hooks as described previously  [Apocrita larvae] ................... ................... ................... ..........................................................................................................................................Hymenoptera

 

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Diptera: (for muscoid flies see Figs C-D wing venation)

 

88a  (8a, 29a & 38b).    Antennae moniliform, 6-39 segments, longer than thorax.......… .............................…............…..........89

 

88b.    Antennae with 3-4 segments, ring-like segments may be present; antennae shorter than thorax..  ..................................94

 

89a (88a).    Costa (= longitudinal wing vein) extends completely around wing, occasionally weakened behind.......................90

 

89b.    Costa does not reach to or extend only slightly beyond wing tip .......................... .............................................……....92

 

90a (89a).    Mesonotal suture (= dorsal sclerite of mesothorax) transverse, not V-shaped..…...... ................................…....91

 

90b.    Mesonotum with an entire V-shaped suture; females with long sclerotized ovipositor  (Figs.A-B) (larvae are predators of aquatic or semiaquatic arthropods)   A ....................................................................................................( Diptera)  Tipulidae

 

91a (90a).    Ocelli present and/or venation reduced; eyes meet above antennae; wing not scaly  (Figs.A-C)  A  (larvae are predators of Homoptera & mites).…... ........................................ ................... ..................................(Diptera)  Cecidomyiidae

 

91b.    Ocelli absent; probosis extends far beyond clypeus; wing venation strong; wing  veins and margin covered with scales, usually also on body (Figs.A-G)  (larvae of some species  are predators of aquatic arthropods).................(Diptera)  Culicidae

 

92a (89b).    Ocelli absent...................................................................................... ...................……...........................................93

 

92b.    Ocelli present; tibiae with apical spurs; discal cell in wing (= enlarged cell in basal or central part of wing) absent (Figs.A-C)  A   (larvae spin webs & feed on entrapped arthropods).............. ................................……..(Diptera)  Mycetophilidae

 

93a (92a).    Head rounded behind, mouthparts piercing; metanotum short and rounded, without a longitudinal groove (Fig.A)  A  (adults are blood-suckers; larvae are predators)  ...............................…….........................(Diptera)  Ceratopogonidae

 

93b.    Head flat behind, mouthparts without mandibles, not piercing ;metanotum long, with a median longitudinal groove (Figs.A-B) (most are predators, one species parasitizes mayflies)...................…...............................(Diptera)  Chironomidae

 

94a (88b).    Empodium (= pad or bristlelike structure at apex of last tarsal segment between the claws) developed lobelike, the 3 pads almost equal...... ................... ................... ................... .................................................................…..............................95

 

94b.    Empodium hair-like or absent....................... ..............................................................................…..................…...........99

 

95a (94a).    Third antennal segment compound, composed of ring-like segments........... .............................……..…..............96

 

95b.    Third antennal segment simple, frequently bearing an elongated style or arista...……… ..............................................97

 

96a (95a).    Tegula (= scale-like structure overlying front wing base) large and conspicuous female abdomen large (Figs.A-F)  A   (adults are blood-suckers; larvae are predators of  aquatic arthropods) .........................................(Diptera)  Tabanidae

 

96b.    Tegula small or vestigial; tibial spurs usually absent (Figs.A-F) (larvae are predators  of arthropods in several habitats)

................... ................... ................... ...........................................................................……..............(Diptera)  Stratiomyiidae

 

97a.    Tegula small or vestigal........................... ......................................…………………….....……......................................98

 

97b.    Tegula large, covering haltere; head very small, positioned low down and composed almost entirely of compound eyes; body humpbacked (Fig.A)  A   (parasitoids of spiders) ..........…………………….................……..(Diptera)  Acroceridae

 

98a (97a).    Tibiae without apical spurs; wing venation intricate with many veins ending before wing tip (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of grasshoppers).... A....…....................................................................................(Diptera)       Nemestrinidae

 

98b.    At least middle tibia with apical spurs; antennae have long terminal style; wing venation normal, not complex (Figs.A-B) (both adults and larvae are predators of other arthropods)....................................................................(Diptera)  Rhagionidae

 

99a (94b).    Wing with 2 or more submarginal cells (vein R-4+5 forked); 3-4 posterior cells……..........................................100

 

99b.    Wing with only one submarginal cell or none at all (vein R-4+5 not forked)....…… ...............................…..................106

 

100a (99a).    Front strongly concave at vertex........................................................…..…………. ..........................................101

 

100b.    Front not concave between eyes, vertex flat or convex....................................… ............................…........................102

 

101a (100a).    Three ocelli present; palpi normally prominent; proboscis adapted for piercing (Figs.A-E);  top of head hollowed out between eyes; abdomen tapering or oval; lobe  A (alula) usually at base of wing (both larvae & adults are predators) ….................................................................................................................................................(Diptera) .. Asilidae

 

101b.    One ocellus or none present; antennae with 4 segments; palpi vestigial; proboscis with fleshy labellae (= exposed tip of labium); large flies (Figs.A-C) (both larvae & adults  are predators).......................................................(Diptera)  Mydaidae

 

102a (100b).    Costa continues around wing........................................... ..........................................................……...............103

 

102b.    Costa reaches only to wing apex; 4th vein (M-1) ends before wing tip; 3 posterior cells (Figs.A-B) (larvae are predators of larvae of Coleoptera).. A...............................................................................................................(Diptera)  Scenopinidae

 

103a (102a).    Wing has 5 posterior cells.............................. ................................................................................……...........104

 

103b.    Wing has at most 4 posterior cells............................................... ...................................................…............….........105

 

104a (103a).    Fourth vein (M-1) ends beyond apex of wing (Figs.A-C) (larvae & adults are   A predators of other arthropods)  ................... ................... ............................................................................…......................(Diptera)  Therevidae

 

104b.    Fourth vein (M-1) ends before apex of wing (Fig.A) (both adults & larvae are  predators of other arthropods; rare in arid regions of western North America) .......................................................................……...........................(Diptera)  Apioceridae

 

105a (103b).    Anal cell open or closed near wing margin; antennal style short, never longer than 3rd antennal segment; body usually hairy, stocky and somewhat humpbacked; brown or grayish flies (Figs.A-C) (parasitize a variety of immature arthropods; most common in southwestern United States)....... A..........................……..................(Diptera)  Bombyliidae

 

105b.    Anal cell short and closed far from wing margin; anal vein does not reach wing margin; antennal style (= bristle) usually longer than 3rd antennal segment; body usually bare, slender and black (Fig.A) (predators of small arthropods).......……... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ............................................(Diptera)  Empididae

 

106a (99b).    Wing normal, not obviously rounded apically; venation normal.....… .............................…..............................107

 

106b.    Wing rounded apically; veins very well developed anteriorly; antennae appear 1-segmented with long arista (= bristle on apical segment); long hind legs and flattened femora; body humpbacked (Fig.A) (parasitoids of ant pupae, larvae & pupae of

Lepidoptera & Hymenoptera; some species are predators ... A...................................................……....(Diptera)  Phoridae

 

107a (106a).    Spurious vein (= vein-like thickening of wing membrane between 2 true veins) in wing absent; anal cell usually short ................... ................... ................... ........................................................................................………..........................108

 

107b.    Spurious vein in wing present; anal cell long, closed near wing margin; body brightly colored; they resemble bees or wasps) (Figs.A-E) (predators of Homoptera)   A .......................................................….......................(Diptera)  Syrphidae

 

108a (107a).    Frontal lanule (= crescent-shaped sclerite above base of antennae) completely absent.......... ............................

................... ................... .........................................................................................................…………...................................109

 

108b.    Frontal lunule present as a crescent-shaped sclerite above antennae...............…….....................................................111

 

109a (108a).    Head normal, not exceptionally large; front and face usually wide........…….. .................................................110

 

109b.    Head large, hemispherical; front and face narrow; probosis small and soft; body stocky and humpbacked, brown or grayish (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of treehoppers & leafhoppers) ………………………........A..….(Diptera)  Pipunculidae

 

110a (109a).    Crossvein r-m located beyond basal 1/4th of wing; anal cell pointed apically; proboscis usually rigid; body not metallic; %% genitalia terminal, not folded under abdomen (Fig.A); relatively slender and usually black flies (adults and larvae are   A ..predaceous on smaller insects) (please also refer to couplet 105)..…... .................................(Diptera)  Empididae

 

110b.    Crossvein r-m located in basal 1/4th of wing; 2nd basal and discal cells united; anal cell when present rounded apically; body usually metallic; %% genitalia frequently folded forward under abdomen (Fig.A) (predators of small arthropods) ................... ...........................................................................................................…….................... (Diptera)  Dolichopodidae

 

111a (108b).    Second antennal segment with a lateral subdorsal longitudinal seam; thorax with a complete transverse suture; calypter  (= lobe at wing base) large........... ................... ................... ................... ................................................……..........112

 

111b.    Second antennal segment without a longitudinal seam; thorax without a complete transverse suture; calypter small or rudimentary ................... ................... ................... .......................................................................................……....................115

 

112a (111a).    Hypopleural bristles (rather vertical row usually above hind coxae) present …..............................................113

 

112b.    Hypopleural bristles absent; 3rd (R-5) and 4th (M-1) veins almost parallel at wing tip or 4th vein bends forward; undersurface of scutellum with fine erect hairs (Figs.A-B)    A (predators of dipterous larvae)....(Diptera)  Anthomyiidae

 

113a (112a).    Postscutellum developed; hypopleura with strong bristles; eyes usually bare; body of && large, variously colored, but usually blackish (Figs.A-G) (parasitoids of many  types of insects).......... A................(Diptera)  Tachinidae

 

113b.    Postscutellum not developed; hypopleura with a row of bristles................. .....................................…....................114

 

114a (113b).    Body usually gray with 3 black stripes on mesonotum, bare but not metallic; usually 4 notopleural bristles; arista usually plumose (= featherlike) in basal half    A  (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of grasshoppers & other arthropods) .... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... .....................................(Diptera)  Sarcophagidae

 

114b.    Body usually metallic, usually 2 (rarely 3) notopleural bristles; arista usually plumose beyond basal half (Figs.A-D) (generally predaceous)...……… ................... ................... ...............................………......................(Diptera)  Calliphoridae

 

115a (111b).    Proboscis shorter than head; head never broader than thorax; first posterior cell not quite narrowed apically ................... ................... ................... ...............................................................................................................………............116

 

115b.    Proboscis longer than head, slender and rigit, often folding; head wider than thorax; first posterior cell narrowed or closed apically; abdomen clavate (= club-like), bent downward at apex (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of wild bees)..... A ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................................................................(Diptera)  Conopidae

 

116a (115a).    Costa broken at humeral crossvein; wings without pattern; postcellar bristle divergent, if absent, arista is also absent (Fig.A)...... A.........................................................................................................................(Diptera)  Agromyzidae

 

116b.    Eyes oval horizontally, 2X as long as high; costa not broken; postocellar bristles converge or are  absent, if absent, arista present; body grayish with yellowish markings on lateral thorax and  abdomen and on front (Fig.A) (predators of mites & Homoptera)...... ............................................................................................……............................(Diptera)  Chamaemyidae

 

                 [Skip couplet 117a/117b]

 

118a  (15a, 41a, 67b & 84a).    Last sternite (= ventral plate) of female abdomen divided longitudinally; ovipositor issues from anterior to tip of abdomen and has a pair of exserted   sheathes capable of covering ovipositor tip; hind wing usually without lobes......… ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ....................................119

 

118b.    Last sternite of && abdomen not divided longitudinally; ovipositor (or sting) issues from the tip of abdomen and without a pair of exserted sheathes; hind wing often with an anal lobe ...........................………….........................................126

 

119a (118a).    Wing venation well developed; stigma (= thickening of wing membrane along costal border) well developed; hind trochanter with 2 segments...................Hymenoptera)..................... (Ichneumonoidea  &  Evanioidea)……..............…....120

 

119b.    Wing venation reduced; stigma absent or poorly developed; trochanter with 1 segment….........................................122

 

120a (119a).    Costal cell absent; antennae with 16 or more segments (Figs.A-B)...... Wing Types........... A. .... ................... (Hymenoptera) (Ichneumonoidea)..….............. ................... ................... ................... ................... .............................…..121

 

120b.    Costal cell present; antennae with fewer than 16 segments; abdomen short with long petiole arising on propodeum (= posterior part of thorax that is actually 1st abdominal  segment), far above bases of hind coxae (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of cockroach egg  capsules) ........ ...................................................................................(Hymenoptera)  (Evanioidea)  Evaniidae

 

121a (120a).    Wing with one or no recurrent veins; propodeum not prolonged beyond hindcoxae .............................. …....122

 

121b.    Wing with 2 recurrent veins (= transverse veins posterior to cubital vein) or the abdomen is 3X the body length (Figs.A-C) (parasitoids of numerous insect orders )   A...................(Hymenoptera)  (Ichneumonoidea)  Ichneumonidae

 

122a (121a).    Abdominal terga 2 & 3 not fused (Fig.A) (parasitoids of aphids) ..........(Hymenoptera) ……A .................

............. ................... ................... ................... ................... .....................…….. (Ichneumonoidea)  Braconidae  (Aphidiinae)

 

122b.    Abdominal terga 2 & 3 fused or the cubitus (= longitudinal vein just posterior to medial) in fore wing arises from the radial cell (Figs.A-F) (parasitoids of many kinds of hosts, excluding aphids)  .................................. .......................................

................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ....................(Hymenoptera)  (Ichneumonoidea)  Braconidae

 

123a (119b).    Pronotum extends to tegula; antennae not geniculate (= elbow-shaped) ; body often compressed ...................

................................................. ................... ................... ................................................. (Hymenoptera)  (Cynipoidea).....124

 

123b.    Pronotum does not reach tegula; prepectus (= area along anterior ventral margin of mesepisternum outlined by a suture) present; antennae geniculate, with one or more proximal segments of flagellum often reduced to ring-like segments; abdominal segment  behind propodeum always in form of a petiole, although not always clear......(Hymenoptera)  (Chalcidoidea) .. 248

 

124a (123a).    Largest segment of abdomen (side view) tergites 2 or 3 and never more than one short tergite in front of the largest tergite ................................. ................. ................. ................. ................. ...................................................................125

 

124b.    Largest segment of abdomen (side view) tergites 4, 5 or 6, with at least 2, 3 or 4 short tergites behind petiole and preceding the largest tergite; abdomen very compressed laterally;  ovipositor curved under "membranous flap" (Fig.A) (parasitoids of sawflies   A in family Siricidae)......................................…............(Hymenoptera)  (Cynipoidea)  Ibaliidae

 

125a (124a).    Tergite 2 longest and usually forming at least 1/2 the abdomen; radial cell open (except in Charips) and petiole without enlarged ring bearing longitudinal striations (gall-formers and hyperparasitoids in aphids).  If radial cell is closed and petiole has striated  ring, then tergites 2 & 3 are fused into a single saddle-shaped tergite that covers entire

 abdomen (Figs.A-C) (Synergus inquilines in oak galls)........ A .. (Hymeoptera)  (Cynipoidea)  Cynipidae  [also see fly-par.htm ]

 

125b.    Tergite 2 clearly forming less than 1/2 of abdomen; radial cell closed; petiole with slightly enlarged ring structure bearing longitudinal striations; mesopleura without spines or scratches (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of Diptera) ...............(Hymenoptera) …..................................................................................................................…  (Cynipoidea)  Figitidae [also see fly-par.htm ]

 

126a (118b).    Pronotum almost reaches or does reach tegula, but lacks a rounded lobe on lateral margin...................….....127

 

126b.    Pronotum short, does not reach tegula, with lateral rounded lobe; body hairs not branched  (Figs.A-L)...... A. .......

.................................................. ............... ............... ............... ..............................(Hymenoptera)  (Sphecoidea)  Sphecidae

 

127a (126a).    Venation of fore wing well developed; hind wing with veins or a basal lobe.… .............................…............128

 

127b.    Venation of fore wing reduced; hind wing not lobed...(Hymenoptera)  (Proctotrupoidea)..... ................................137

 

128a (127a).    Venation of hind wing reduced, lacking closed cells ..(Hymenoptera)  (Bethyloidea)……….......................129

 

128b.    Venation of hind wing not reduced, with at least one closed cell................ ...............................................…….........131

 

129a (128a).    Antennae with 12-13 segments; tarsi normal................ ......................................................…............….........130

 

129b.    Antennae with 10 segments; fore tarsi of females often pincer-like (Figs.A-C) ...(parasitoids of leafhoppers) ....A.

................…... ............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ........................(Hymenoptera)  (Bethyloidea)  Dryinidae

 

130a (129a).    Abdomen with 3 or less visible tergites (4 in male Parnopes); abdominal sternites concave; body metallic green

 or blue (Figs.A-F) (parasitoids of wasps) .................................... A............(Hymenoptera)  (Bethyloidea)  Chrysididae

 

130b.    Abdomen with 6 (females) or 7 (males) tergites; sternites convex; body not metallic (Figs.A-C) (parasitoids of Coleoptera & Lepidoptera)................................................ ...................................(Hymenoptera)  (Bethyloidea)  Bethylidae

 

131a (128b).    Petiole without nodes or node-like swellings....... ........................................................................……............132

 

131b.    Petiole medially with nodes or node-like swellings; antennae geniculate (Figs.A-E) (general predators)....... A.......

 .......................... ................. ................. ................. ............................................(Hymenoptera)  (Formicoidea)  Formicidae

 

132a (131a).    First discoidal cell shorter than submedian cell; fore wings rarely folded........... ...............................……......133

 

132b.    First discoidal cell much longer than submedian cell; fore wings when at rest folded longitudinally (Figs.A-D) (general predators).. ................. ................. ................. ................. .................... A.............(Hymenoptera)  (Vespoidea)  Vespidae

 

133a (132a).    Mesopleuron not divided by an oblique suture; hind femur does not extend to tip of abdomen.... ….……....134

 

133b.    Mesopleuron divided by an oblique suture; hind femur extends to tip of abdomen; mid tibia with 2 apical spurs (Figs.A-D) (parasitoids of spiders) ................................................... A.........(Hymenoptera)  (Pompiloidea)  Pompilidae

 

134a (133a).    Mesosternum and metasternum separate, not forming a single large plate; wings without wrinkles................135

 

134b.    Mesosternum and metasternum form a flat plate divided by a sinuous transverse suture; fore wing with fine longitudinal wrinkles beyond the closed cells (Figs.A-B)  (parasitoids of Scarabaeidae)........ A..........(Hymenoptera)  (Scolioidea)  Scoliidae

 

135a (134a).    Mesosternum simple, without appendages................................. ...................................................……..........136

 

135b.    Mesosternum with 2 laminae which overlay or project between the bases of the middle coxae, extending to midline; spur on tip of abdomen (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of Scarabaeidae)........ A........ (Hymenoptera)  (Tiphioidea) .. Tiphiidae

 

136a (135a).    Body bare or nearly so; hind wing with a prominent separated lobe at the anal angle (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of bees). .......... ................. ................. ................. .............................. A...............(Hymenoptera)  (Tiphioidea)  Sapygidae

 

136b.    Body almost always obviously hairy; hind wing of %% without a lobe at the anal angle; 2 spurs on tip of abdomen (Figs.A-C) (parasitoids of Hymenoptera).......................................... ……………(Hymenoptera)  (Tiphioidea)  Mutillidae

 

137a (127b).    Antennae inserted near clypeus................................... .......................................................................…….....138

 

137b.    Antennae inserted near middle of face on a shelf-like protuberance; fore wing with stigma (Figs.A-C) (parasitoids of Diptera).... A...........................................................(Hymenoptera)  (Proctotrupoidea) Diapriidae  [also see fly-par.htm ]

 

138a (137a).    Abdomen sharply margined at sides.................................. ..................................................................……....139

 

138b.    Abdomen rounded laterally; marginal vein usually stigmated (Fig.A) (parasitoids of  insects in several orders

.........………...................................................……….……...A......….(Hymenoptera) (Ceraphronoidea) Ceraphronidae

 

139a (138a).    Fore wing with a marginal and stigmal vein (Figs.A-C) (parasitoids of insect eggs) ........A ....... ....... .......

..... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ....... ..................(Hymenoptera)  (Proctotrupoidea)  Scelionidae

 

139b.    Fore wing without marginal and stigmal veins (Figs.A-C) (most parasitoids of Diptera & Homoptera) ....... ....... .......

.......…..… .......…..… .......…..… .......…..… .......…..…..............…......(Hymenoptera)  (Proctotrupoidea)  Platygastridae

 

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Hemiptera / Heteroptera:

 

140a. (19a & 40a).    Antennae short, usually concealed.....(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  suborder Cryptocerata (= aquatic bugs) …...............…..….......…...................................................................................................................................…..........141

 

140b.    Antennae longer than previously described, at least as long as head, not concealed .(Hemiptera Heteroptera)  suborder Gymnocerata (= terrestrial bugs)....... .......................... .......................... .......................... ....................................................144

 

141a (140a).    Hind tarsi with claws...............................................................................……..................................................142

 

141b.    Hind tarsi without claws, hind tarsi only flattened (Fig.A) (general predators)...........A..... ................... ...................

................... ................... ................... ................... ................... .............................(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)   Notonectidae

 

142a (141a).    Membrane of hemelytra without veins................. .............................................................................…….......143

 

142b.    Membrane of hemelytra (= front wings) with veins (Fig.A) (predators of other aquatic arthropods)  .......................

................... ................... ................... .................................….... A.............. (Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Belostomatidae

 

143a (142a).    Eyes strongly protruding; toad-like (Fig.A) (general predators).... A.........Hemiptera / Heteroptera) 

................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ..................................Gelastocoridae

 

143b.    Eyes flattened to form one smooth surface with head (Fig.A) (general predators)…(Hemiptera / Heteroptera) 

................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... ................... Naucoridae

 

144a (140b).    Fore legs relatively short and slender compared to other legs; tarsal claws anteapical (especially obvious on fore legs) .... ................... ................... ................... ................... .................................................................……............................145

 

144b.    Fore legs not noticeably shorter than other legs; if so, then fore legs thick and modified for grasping; tarsal claws apical

................... ................... ................... .......................................................................................................……........................146

 

145a (144a).    Hind femora extend well beyond apex of abdomen; middle legs arise closer to hind than to fore legs (Fig.A) (general predators) ................... ................... ................... ............................ A.........(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Gerridae

 

145b.     Hind femora extend little if any beyond apex of abdomen; if middle legs arise close to hind legs than to fore legs, then fore tarsi have only 1 segment (Fig.A) (general predators) ........................................…..(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Vellidae

 

146a (144b).    Antennae with 4 segments...................................... ...............................................................…..............….....147

 

146b.    Antennae with 5 segments (Figs.A-D) (mostly phytophagous, but some species are general predators)........ A.......

............ ................... .................. ........................................................................(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Pentatomidae

 

147a (146a).    Absence of pad-like arolium at base of each tarsal claw, of if present, fore legs are modified for grasping prey (raptorial) ......................................................... .................... .................... .................... ...............................................…......148

 

147b.    Pad-like arolium present; membrane of hemelytron with only 4-5 veins (Figs.A-B) (predatory & phytophagous)

.............. .................... .................... .................... ......................................... A.......(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Lygaeidae

 

148a (147a).    Fore legs not raptorial; without a presternal groove.................. ..........................................................……....149

 

148b.    Fore legs not raptorial....................................................................... ............................................................…….......151

 

149a (148a).    Proboscis with 3 segments; cuneus absent; ocelli present............ .....................................................…….......150

 

149b.    Proboscis with 4 segments; cuneus present; ocelli absent (Figs.A-C) (a few general predatory species) ............................. .................... .................... ................................……......... A..........(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Miridae

 

150a (149a).    Hemelytra with a cuneus (= triangular apical part of thickened portion of wing); 0.5-5.0 mm. long (Figs.A-C) (general predators) .................... .................... .................... ....................... A....(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Anthocoridae

 

150b.    Hemelytra without a cuneus; length variable; membrane of hemelytra with 4-5 closed cells (Fig.A) (general predators) .................... .................... .................... ..........................................……..........................(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Saldidae

 

151a (148b).    Prosternum with a groove to receive proboscis; proboscis with 3 segments  (Figs.A-B) (general predators)......

............... .................... .................... .................... ..................................... A........(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Reduviidae

 

151b.    Prosternum without a groove; proboscis usually with 4 segments (Figs.A-C) (general predators) ..............................

..........................................................……..... .................... ..............................................(Hemiptera / Heteroptera)  Nabidae

 

Major Families of Adult Predatory & Parasitic Coleoptera:

 

152a (27a, 51b, 54a & 73b).    Head not prolonged into a beak; gular sutures (= longitudinal sutures demarking sclerite on ventral side of head) double, at least anteriorly and posteriorly .................................................................................……......153

 

152b.    Head usually prolonged into a beak; gular sutures fused or lacking; antennae not elbowed; elytra cover base of pygidium (= last dorsal segment of abdomen) (Figs.A-C) (predators of  Coccidae)................. A. .............(Coleoptera)  Anthribidae

 

153a (152a).    First abdominal sternite divided by the hind coxal cavities . ..............................(Coleoptera)  (Adephaga) ..154

 

153b.    First abdominal sternite not interrupted by hind coxal cavities... ................................(Coleoptera)  (Polyphaga) ...158

 

154a (153a).    Abdomen with 6 or more visible sternites; antennae filiform......…… ..............................................................155

 

154b.    Abdomen with only 4 visible sternites; antennae very much thickened apically, clavate or laminate (Fig.A) (predators of ants)... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ........................ A..........(Coleoptera)  Paussidae

 

155a (154a).    Eyes entire, not divided; antennae elongated, slender......................................(Coleoptera)  Caraboidea).....156

 

155b.    Eyes divided, appear as 2 pairs; antennae short and somewhat clubbed; front legs elongated and slender (Figs.A-B) (predators of aquatic arthropods). .......... .................... ........................… A...........(Coleoptera)  (Gyrinoidea)  Gyrinidae

 

156a (155a).    Metasternum with a distinct transverse suture demarking a triangular antecoxal suture...................................157

 

156b.    Metasternum without a transverse suture or antecoxal sclerite; body smooth and hard; hind legs flattened and fringed with long hairs (Figs.A-C) (predators of aquatic arthropods)...... ................................... A...........(Coleoptera)  Dytiscidae

 

157a (156a).    Antennae inserted on front above base of mandibles; clypeus extends laterally beyond the base of antennae; often brightly colored insects (Figs.A-C) (general predators)...................................... A....…...(Coleoptera)  Cicindelidae

 

157b.    Antennae inserted on side of head between base of mandible and eye; clypeus does not extend laterally beyond base of antennae; most are dark, shiny and flattened  (Figs.A-F) (general predators)......................................(Coleoptera)  Carabidae

 

158a (153b).    Antennae usually not clubbed, but if so, segments are not lamellate.......... ..............................…......….........159

 

158b.    Antennae with the last 3-7 segments enlarged, club-like; body heavy, oval or elongated and usually convex (Figs.A-F) (considered predators of grasshopper egg pods). ...... .......................................……A...... … (Coleoptera)  Scarabaeidae

 

159a (158a).    Hind tarsi with 4 segments, front and middle tarsi with 5 segments.......…….. ......................................….....160

 

159b.    Hind tarsi with at least as many segments as fore and middle tarsi............ ............................................……....….....166

 

160a (159a).    Front coxal cavities closed behind...........................................................................…… ............................…..161

 

160b.    Front coxal cavities open behind............................................................................. ....................................……….....162

 

161a (160a).    Abdominal sternites freely movable (%% only; also refer to couplet 182); abdomen  tip exposed beyond elytra; last tarsal segment elongated, others are short (Figs.A-D) (predators)................……..A..…(Coleoptera)  Rhizophagidae

 

161b.     First 2-4 abdominal sternites somewhat fused or immovable; eyes usually notched; most are black or brownish (Figs.A-H) (predators)...................… .................... .................... .............................……............(Coleoptera)  Tenebrionidae

 

162a (160b).    Head very much and abruptly constricted behind eyes................ ............................................….........……...163

 

162b.    Head not much and suddenly constricted behind eyes ......…….... ............................................(Coleoptera)  Pythidae

 

163a (162a).    Prothorax usually rounded on sides, without a sharp lateral margin....….. ..................................……............164

 

163b.    Prothorax with a sharp lateral margin; body somewhat humpbacked, with head bent down; abdomen pointed apically, extending beyond tips of elytra (Figs.A-B) (may be predators)  ................................… A..........(Coleoptera)  Mordellidae

 

164a (163a).    Base of prothorax narrower than elytra......................................….......................……...........165

 

164b.    Base of prothorax as wide as elytra; antennae pectinate (= comb-like); abdomen blunt  (Figs.A-B) (parasitoids of Hymenoptera)... .................... .................... .................... ............................................. A........Coleoptera)  Rhipiphoridae

 

165a (164a).    Hind coxae large and prominent; elytra soft and flexible; pronotum narrower than  either head or elytra (Figs.A-F) (parasitoids of Hymenoptera) .................... .................... .................... .................... . A.............(Coleoptera)  Meloidae

 

165b.    Hind coxae transverse (= at right angles to longitudinal axis), not prominent; head constricted behind eyes; ant-like in appearance (Figs.A-B) (general predators)........... ....................……………………………………(Coleoptera)   Anthicidae

 

166a (159b).    Maxillary palpi much shorter than antennae..................................…….. .........................…...........................167

 

166b.    Maxillary palpi as long as, or longer than, antennae; short clubbed antennae; body oval  (Figs.A-B) (general predators

..... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ........................ A........(Coleoptera)  Hydrophilidae

 

167a (166a).    Elytra cover most of abdomen, not short...... .................................................................……........…..............168

 

167b.    Elytra short, exposing much of abdomen; 6-7 visible abdominal sterna; well-developed hind wings, folded when at rest (Figs.A-F) (general predators & some parasitoids of Diptera ...........................…… A….... (Coleoptera)  Staphylinidae

               [Also see Staphylinidae Identification]

 

168a (167a).    Tarsi with 5 segments on at least one pair of legs, usually on all legs.….....… .................................…...........169

.

168b.    All tarsi with less than 5 segments....................................................................….…….............. ................................191

 

169a (168a).    Abdomen with at least 6 sternites............................................. .......................................….……....................170

 

169b.    Abdomen with 5 or less sternites................................................... ...........................................……...........................178

 

170a (169a).    Front coxae conical, large and prominent............................................. ..............................…..........….............171

 

170b.    Front coxae globular, small and not prominent; body louse-like, brownish (Fig.A) (general predators) .........................

...................................... .................... .................... .................... ...................................... A.........(Coleoptera)  Leptinidae

 

171a (170a).    Abdomen with 6 sternites visible.................................................... ........................…....…...............…..........172

 

171b.    Abdomen with 7-8 sternites visible...................................................................….......... ..........................…..............175

 

172a (171a).    Hind coxae not grooved...........................................................................................….……..... ........................173

 

172b.    Hind coxae grooved for reception of femora; orange antennae (also see couplet 189)  (Figs.A-C) (parasitoids of cicadas)

................ .................... .................... .................... .................... ............................... A.............(Coleoptera)  Rhipiceridae

 

173a (172a).    Hind coxae prominent, at least internally.............. ............................................…….........…...............…........174

 

173b.    Hind coxae flat, not prominent; body pubescent and often brightly colored (also see couplet 188) (Figs.A-I) (general predators).... .................... .................... .................... ................... .................................... A............(Coleoptera)  Cleridae

 

174a (173a).    Tibial spurs large; body often brightly colored and relatively large (Figs.A-G) (general predators) ........................

.................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ...................................... A........(Coleoptera)  Silphidae

 

174b.    Tibial spurs small, indistinct (general predators)......... ....................................(Coleoptera) Melyridae (Malachiidae)

 

175a (171b).    Middle coxae touching each other.............................................….... ..........................................……..............176

 

175b.    Middle coxae separated, not touching each other; net-like lines on elytra (Figs.A-B) (general predators) .....................

............................. .................... .................... .................... .................... .............................. A............(Coleoptera)  Lycidae

 

176a (175a).    Antennae inserted on the upper part of the front or at the base of its anterior lobe........................................ 177

 

176b.    Antennae inserted at the side of front, before eye (Fig.A) (general predators) ........ A..........(Coleoptera) Drilidae

 

177a (176a).    Head almost completely covered by prothorax; many species with illuminescent organs (Figs.A-B) (predators of snails).... .................... .................... .................... .................... ...................................... A..........(Coleoptera)  Lampyridae

 

177b.    Head not at all covered by prothorax; no light producing organs (Figs.A-C) (general predators) ................ ...................

..... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .......................(Coleoptera)  Cantharidae

 

177c.    Head not covered by prothorax, adult females often wingless & luminescent (Figs.A-B) (glow worms; larvae predaceous on other arthropods).....….... .................... .................... .................... .................................….....(Coleoptera)  Phenogodidae

 

178a (169b).    Front coxae globular or transverse.................................................. ..........................................……................179

 

178b.    Front coxae somewhat conical and prominent.................................................... ........................…….........................189

 

179a (178a).    Front coxae transverse, somewhat cylindrical................................. ...........................................……..............180

 

179b.    Front coxae globular...............................................................................................…….. ............................................184

 

180a (179a).    Hind coxae grooved to receive femora......................................... .......................................……......................181

 

180b.    Hind coxae flat, not grooved................................................................................ ........................…..............…..........182

 

181a (180a).    Front coxae without a distinctly separated side piece; some species with enlarged hind femora (Figs.A-B) (general predators)..... .................... .................... .................... ....................................... A............(Coleoptera)  Helodidae

 

181b.    Front coxae with a distinct side piece (trochantin); body pubescent (Fig.A) (general predators). ……………. .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ...........(Coleoptera) Dascillidae

 

182a (180b).    Tarsi somewhat dilated, 1st segment not shortened............... ..................................................……................183

 

182b.    Tarsi slender, the metatarsus very short; body oval or elliptical; pronotum rather closely joined to base of elytra (Fig.A) (general predators)... .................... .................... .................... .................................... A...........(Coleoptera)  Ostomatidae

 

183a (182a).    Maxillae with only a single lobe (Figs.A-E) (general predators)...........… A ........Coleoptera)  Nitidulidae

 

183b.    Maxillae with both an inner and an outer lobe; abdomen tip exposed beyond elytra; last tarsal segment elongated, others are short (Fig.A) (also see couplet 160).................................................……..............................(Coleoptera)  Rhizophagidae

 

184a (179b).    Prosternum without a median process.................................................... ..........................................……......185

 

184b.    Prosternum prolonged behind into a median process that is received into the mesosternum; posterior corners of pronotum prolonged posteriorily into sharp points; able to click and jump (Figs.A-C) (general predators).. ........................

.................... .................... .................... ... .................... ................................................. A.... .......(Coleoptera)  Elateridae

 

185a (184a).    Hind coxae not in contact with each other, although they may be close together in some species..................186

 

185b.    Hind coxae in contact with each other; body oval, shining and convex, usually brownish (Figs.A-B) (predators of aphids)... .................... .................... .................... .................... ...................................... A.........(Coleoptera)  Phalacridae

 

186a (185a).    Elytra entire, covering the pygidium....................................... .............................................………................187

 

186b.    Elytra short, cut off square at apex, leaving at least 2 segments of abdomen exposed (Figs.A-B) (general predators)...... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ............................. A.......…...(Coleoptera)  Histeridae

 

187a (186a).    Antennae with 10-11 segments; body flattened....... ....................................………........................................188

 

187b.    Antennae with only 2 segments (Fig.A) (general predators) ...........................… A.…...(Coleoptera)  Ectrephidae

 

188a (187a).   Maxillae covered by corneous plates (Fig.A) (often included in Cucujidae)..... A.....(Coleoptera)  Cucujidae  (old Passandridae).

 

188b.    Maxillae exposed (Fig.A) (general predators) ................. .................................……................(Coleoptera)  Cucujidae

 

189a (178b).    Hind coxae dilated into plates which are grooved to receive femora....….......… ..............................…...........190

 

189b.    Hind coxae not grooved; body pubescent and often brightly colored (also see couplet 172) (Figs.A-I)..............

....................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................................. A...........(Coleoptera)  Cleridae

.

190a (189a).    Antennae short with last 3 segments much enlarged forming a strong club; median  ocellus present (Figs.A-F) (general predators)... .................... .................... .................... .................................... A......…..(Coleoptera)  Dermestidae

 

190b.    Antennae not club-shaped; orange in color (also see couplet 171) (Figs.172b-A-C)..........(Coleoptera)  Rhipiceridae

 

191a (168b).    Tarsi with 3 segments....................................... .............................................……...........................................192

 

191b.    Tarsi with 4 segments............................................................................... .........................……...................................193

 

192a (191a).    Second segment of tarsi dilated; body small, oval, convex and brightly colored  (Fig.A) (predators of Homoptera) .................... .................... .................... .................... ............................................ A..….........(Coleoptera)  Coccinellidae

 

192b.    Second segment of tarsi not dilated (Fig.A).................………. ...........................................(Coleoptera)  Lathridiidae

 

193a (191b).    Abdominal sternites all free and movable; body hairy, often brightly colored (Figs.A-B) (general predators).........

.................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ....................A................(Coleoptera)  Mycetophagidae

 

193b.    Abdominal sternites Nos. 1-4 firmly united; body hard, shiny (Figs.A-B) (general

             predators).......................................................................……..............................(Coleoptera)  Colydiidae

 

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Neuroptera:

 

194a (16a, 49a, 50a, 68a, 71a & 84a).    Head hypognathous (= head and mouthparts projecting downward); hind wing not folded fan-like when at rest........... .................... .................... .................... .................................................................…........195

 

194b.    Head prognathous (= head and mouthparts directed forward); hind wing folded fan-like when not in use .....…..

.................... .................... ........................................................................................(Neuroptera)  (Sialodea)...…........…....196

 

195a (194a).    Antennae usually filiform (= thread-like); ovipositor not exserted ......(Neuroptera)  (Planipennia).…......197

 

195b.    Antennae setiform; ovipositor exserted........... .....................................(Neuroptera)  (Raphidiodea)..…................216

 

196a (194b).    Ocelli absent; 4th segment of tarsi bilobed (Figs.A-B). ........................... A.......(Neuroptera) ….. Sialidae

 

196b.    With 3 ocelli present; 4th segment of tarsi not bilobed (Fig.A)....... ....................................(Neuroptera)  Corydalidae

 

197a (195a).    Veins and usually cross veins abundant; wings without whitish powder..... ......................................….........198

 

197b.    Veins and crossveins less in number; wings covered with whitish powder (Fig.A) (mite predators)..... ......................

.................................................. .................... .................... ................................. A.............(Neuroptera)  Coniopterigidae

 

198a (197a).    Large moth-like species; costal area of fore wing not broad; head small and closely set on prothorax; antennae long, filiform (= thread-like), with 40-50 segments  (Figs.A & C).. ................................ A.….....(Neuroptera)  Ithonidae

 

198b.    Not as previously described........................ ......................................................................….......................................199

 

199a (198b).    Antennae never enlarged apically, moniliform (= bead-like), filiform (= thread- like), or rarely pectinate (= comb-like).......................... .................... .................... .................... .....................................................…................................200

 

199b.    Antennae at least thickly cylindrical, usually enlarged towards apex.... .....................................................….............212

 

200a (199a).    Hind wings not longer than fore wings, the 2 pairs similar in form and venation….........................................201

 

200b.    Hind wings greatly elongated and ribbon-like, often with widened, spoon-like ends ....A....(Figs.A-C)... ..................

.................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ........................ (Neuroptera)  Nemopteridae

 

201a (200a).    Front legs not raptorial........................................................... ........................................…..............…............202

 

201b.    Front legs raptorial (Figs.A-C)..... A..............................................................................(Neuroptera)  Mantispidae

 

202a (201a).    Fore wing with 2 or more branches of R-s arising from the apparently fused stems of R-1 and R-s ….........203

 

202b.    Fore wing with all branches of R-s arising from a single sector....... ..........................................................…….........205

 

203a (202a).    Antennae moniliform in both sexes; ocelli absent; ovipositor not exserted.....… ...................................….....204

 

203b.    Antennae pectinate in males; ocellus-like tubercle present; ovipositor exserted......................Neuroptera)  Dilaridae

 

204a (203a).    Fore wing with 3 or more branches of R-s present, veins R-4 and R-5 arising separately, some costal veins forked (Fig.A) (general predators).............. ..................................................... A..........…......(Neuroptera)  Hemerobiidae

 

204b.    Fore wing with apparently 2 radial sectors (R-s), one of which is R-2+3 and the other R4+5.....................................

.................... .................... ............................................................................….................…....(Neuroptera)  Sympherobiidae

 

205a (202b).    Large moth-like species; costal area of fore wing very broad; the S-c, R-1 and R-s are closely parallel..............

.................... .................... .................... .... ............................... (Figs.A-B).......... A.….......... (Neuroptera)  Psychopsidae

 

205b.    Not as previously described...................….. .....................................................……..................................................206

 

206a (205b).    Ocelli absent....................................……...................... .................................……..........................................207

 

206b.    Ocelli present (Figs.A-B)............................... .......................................... A...…............(Neuroptera)  Osmylidae

 

207a (206a).    Humeral cross vein forming a recurrent vein; discal area of wings distinct from costal and marginal areas by series of cross veins; S-c and R-1 fused apically (Fig.A)................. ………………....A.......…..(Neuroptera)  Polystoechotidae

 

207b.    Humeral cross vein not forming a recurrent vein; discal area of wings not differentiated from marginal area...............208

 

208a (207b).    Vertex (= top of head)  flattened.................….......... ..........................................................................……....209

 

208b.    Vertex convex (Fig.A).......................................................... ............................ A...............(Neuroptera)  Sisyridae

 

209a (208a).    Costal cross veins not forked...... ............................................…........................................................……......210

 

209b.    Costal cross veins forked..............................................….......................... ...................................................…….......211

 

210a (209a).    Wings of nearly equal width, fore wing with all branches of R-s arising from a single sector (Figs.A-E).............

....................... .................... .................... .................... ............................................ A..............(Neuroptera)  Chrysopidae

 

210b.    Fore wing distinctly wider than hind wing (Fig.A).........….. .................................……...(Neuroptera)  Apochrysidae

 

211a (209b).    Fore wing with S-c and R fused before wing tip; seed-like scales often present on wings (Figs.A-B)...............

.................... .................... ......................................................................................… A................(Neuroptera)  Berothidae

 

211b.    Fore wings with S-c and R not fused apically; hairs of body and wing conspicuously  long (Fig.A)..... .......................

.................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ...........................Neuroptera)  Trichomatidae

 

212a (199b).    Wings about 1/3rd as wide as long; costal area wide (Fig.A)......….... A....... (Neuroptera)  Myiodactylidae

 

212b.    Wings much narrower than above...................................................................……. .....................................................213

 

213a (212b).    Antennae quite distinctly club-like or flattened, subcostal cell without cross veins….................................…214

 

213b.     Antennae elongated cylindrical; subcostal area with many cross veins (Figs.A-B)…..A.......… .............................

.................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ..............................(Neuroptera)  Nymphidae

 

214a (213a).    Antennae about as long as head and thorax............................. ......................................…..........…..................215

 

214b.    Antennae longer, slender and strongly clubbed (Figs.A-B)… ...................... A............(Neuroptera)  Ascalaphidae

 

215a (214a).    Antennae weakly clubbed, knobbed, or flattened apically; abdomen long and slender; body and wings pubescent

.................... .................... .................... .................... ....................(Figs.A-D)........ A.........(Neuroptera)  Myrmeleontidae

 

215b.    Antennae strongly clubbed; abdomen and wings shiny. ............................................. (Neuroptera)  Stilbopterygidae

 

216a (195b).    Ocelli present (Fig.A)....................... .................................………...... A............(Neuroptera)  Raphidiidae

 

216b.    Ocelli absent (Fig.A).......................................... ........................……….................................(Neuroptera)  Inocellidae

 

 

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Strepsiptera:  (Adults)  (Immatures)

 

  Males (for females go to 222)

 

217a (5a & 73b).    Tarsi with fewer than 5 segments and clawless................……. ...............................................................218

 

217b.    Tarsi with 5 segments and clawed (Fig.A)....... .........……. A.........(Strepsiptera)  Mengenillidae (Mengeidae)

 

218a (217a).    Tarsi with 4 segments..............................................................…................. ............…...................................219

 

218b.    Tarsi with 2-3 segments................................................................. ............….................…........................................221

 

219a (218a).    Antennae with less than 7 segments...............................................…....... ............…......................................220

 

219b.    Antennae with 7 segments (Fig.A)........................... ............….................... A....(Strepsiptera)  Myrmecolacidae

 

220a (219a).    Third and 4th antennal segments laterally fan-like......................................( Strepsiptera)  Callipharixenidae

 

220b.    Only 3rd antennal segment laterally fan-like (Figs.A-C)..… ............…............ A.........(Strepsiptera)  Stylopidae

 

221a (218b).    Tarsi with 2 segments; antennae with 4 segments (Figs.A-B)............. A.......... (Strepsiptera)  Elenchidae

 

221b.    Tarsi with 3 segments; antennae with 7 segments (Figs.A-D)...................................( Strepsiptera)  Halictophagidae

 

222a (58a & 76a).    Adult stage partially endoparasitic, without legs, antennae or eyes...... ............…................…..............223

 

222b.    Adult stage free-living, with legs, antennae and eyes (Figs.A-B). A.(Strepsiptera)   Mengenillidae (Mengeidae)

 

Females (for males go to 217)

 

223a (222a).    Cephalothorax (= head + thorax) without hook-like projections behind spiracles..... ............….............…..224

 

223b.    Cephalothorax with hook-like projections behind spiracles... ............….............…( Strepsiptera) . Stichotrematidae

 

224a (223a).    Cephalothorax with single pair of spiracles; thoracic segments not well defined….............…...................….225

 

224b.    Cephalothorax greatly elongated, with 2 pairs of spiracles, or with head and thoracic segments distinct... ............…......

............…... ............…... ............…... ............…... ............…... ............…... ............…....... Strepsiptera)  Callipharixenidae

 

225a (224a).    Parasitoids of Homoptera or Gryllidae..........................….............….......... ............…...................................226

 

225b.    Parasitoids of Hymenoptera............................... ............…...............…...............…...........( Strepsiptera)  Stylopidae

 

226a (225a).    Brood-passage opening a narrow, linear or oblong slit; thorax prominent......( Strepsiptera)  Halictophagidae

 

226b.    Brood-passage opening broad and semicircular; thorax reduced and ring-like in back of brood-passage opening.............

............…... ............…... ............…... ............…... ............…... ............…... ............…... ...............(Strepsiptera)  Elenchidae

 

Major Families of Adult Entomophagous Lepidoptera:

 

227a (10a, 38a, 48a & 80a).    Antennae simple or modified, but usually not swollen apically; hind wing with frenulum (= bristle or group of bristles arising at humeral angle);  ocelli often present ......................(Lepidoptera)  (Heterocera)…......228

 

227b.    Antennae knobbed at tip; hind wing without a frenulum; ocelli absent (Figs.A-D) .................... .................... ............

……........................................................................................……A.…............(Lepidoptera)  (Rhopalocera)  Lycaenidae

 

228a (227a).    Wings absent or greatly reduced in size.............. ................................................…….....................................229

 

228b.    Wings normally developed....................................................................… ......................…........................................231

 

229a (228a).    Moth does not develop in a sac constructed by the larva........... .............................…...................................230

 

229b.    Moth develops in and often never leaves sac constructed by the larva (Fig.A) (also see couplets 233, 235 & 236) .......... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ..............................… A..........(Lepidoptera)  Psychidae

 

230a (229a).    Proboscis absent or vestigial (Figs.A-B) (also see couplet 238)................. A.....(Lepidoptera)  Pyralididae

 

230b.    Proboscis present (Figs.A-D) (also see couplets 237 & 238)…... ................................…....( Lepidoptera)  Noctuidae

 

231a (228b).    Hind wing with 3 anal veins; fore wing usually with 1st anal vein reaching wing margin.................................232

 

231b.    Hind wing with 2 anal veins, rarely with 1............................ .............................................……..................................236

 

232a (231a).    Hind wing with veins S-c+R-1 and R-s widely separate beyond discal cell.... ..............................……..........233

 

232b.    Hind wing with veins S-c+R-1 and R-s fused or closely parallel between discal cell and wing tip...……...................238

 

233a (232a).    Fore wings with radial (accessory) cell.............................. ........................................……................................234

 

233b.    Fore wings without radial cell (Fig.229b-A) (also see couplets 229, 235 & 236)... A......(Lepidoptera)  Psychidae

 

234a (233a).    Proboscis vestigial......................... ..............................................................................……..............................235

 

234b.    Mouth parts usually developed, with scaled proboscis.............................................. ..............................…...............239

 

235a (234a).    Tibial spurs short or absent (Fig.A)............... ......................…............. A.......(Lepidoptera)  Epipyropidae

 

235b.    Hind tibia with 2 pairs of spurs (Fig.229b-A) (also see couplets 229, 233 & 236).............. (Lepidoptera)  Psychidae

 

236a (231b).    Fore wing with single complete anal vein.... ..................................................……............................................237

 

236b.    Fore wing with anal veins almost fused or connected by a crossvein so as to end as a single vein (Fig.229b-A) (also see couplets 229, 233 & 235)… .................... .................... .................... .............................… A.…...(Lepidoptera)  Psychidae

 

237a (236a).    Shaft of antennae tapering evenly from base to tip................……......... ..........................................................238

 

237b.    Antennae thickened before tip, usually ending in a down curved hook  (Figs.230b-A-D) (also see couplets 230 & 238) .................... .................... .................... .................... ..............................................……. A..........(Lepidoptera)  Noctuidae

 

238a (232b & 237a).    Hind wing with S-c usually free from R-s along the cell, though sometimes extending near it (also see couplet 230)…(Lepidoptera)  Pyralidae (Chrysauginae, ....................…………………............……Phycitinae, Pyraustinae)

 

 238b.  Hind wing with Sc fused with Rs for short distance before the middle of cell ..... ............................................ Noctuidae

 

239a (234b).    Maxillary palpi straight and extend forward horizontally, or vestigial....…........ ............................…............240

 

239b.    Maxillary palpi conspicuous, folded in resting position….....................................…......(Lepidoptera)  Oinophilidae

 

240a (239a).    Basal segment of antenna simple, though often with scales, hairs, or bristles.….. ...................................…....241

 

240b.    Basal segment of antenna enlarged and concave beneath, forming an eyecap  (Fig.A (also see couplet 247)............

.................... .................... .................... .......................................................…….... A.…........(Lepidoptera)  Blastobasidae

 

241a (240a).    Hind wing with well-developed anal region; venation almost complete....… ..............................….................242

 

241b.    Hind wing narrow-lanceolate or linear; venation often reduced...................... ....................…......…...........................244

.

242a (241a).    Hind wing with anal vein not distally forked......................................….... ................................…..................243

 

242b.    Hind wing with 3rd anal vein distally forked (Figs A-B)...… ...................… A.........(Lepidoptera)  Cyclotornidae

 

243a (242a).     Upper side of hind wing with fringe of long hairs on basal part of Cu.. …........(Lepidoptera)  Olethreutidae

 

243b.    Hind wing without long hairs on basal part of C-u (Fig.A)... A......................................(Lepidoptera)  Tortricidae

 

244a (241b).    Fore wing with discal cell formed.................................................................. ...........................……................245

 

244b.    Fore wing without closed cell (Fig.A) (also see couplet 245….......................…A.......(Lepidoptera)  Heliodinidae

 

245a (244a).    Hind tarsi without evident groups of bristles....... .................................................................…..........….........246

 

245b.    Hind tarsi with somewhat distinct groups of bristles near the ends of the several segments (Fig.244b-A) (also see couplet 244)............ .................... .................... .............................…………......... A...............(Lepidoptera)  Heliodinidae

 

246a (245a).    Fore wing with discal cell set obliquely, the end distinctly closer to the hind margin than to costa; vein Cu-2 very short and usually extending directly back to wing margin….........................................................................................…247

 

246b.    Fore wing with discal cell axial and central; vein Cu-2 normally long and continuing parallel with median veins (also see couplet 247)....................................................................……......................( Lepidoptera)  Lavernidae  &  Cosmopterygidae

 

247a (246a).    Fore wing with blunt discal cell; veins R-2 and Cu arising from the end of discal cell (Fig.240b-A) (also see couplet 14)...... .................... .................... .................... ....................................... A...............(Lepidoptera)  Blastobasidae

 

247b.    Fore wing without stigma; vein R-2 arising distinctly before end of discal cell (Fig.A)  (also see couplet 246).....………

.................... .................... .................... ..................................................................................( Lepidoptera)  Cosmopterigidae

 

248.  Major Families and Some Subfamilies of Adult Chalcidoidea:

 

Generalized drawings of Chalcidoidea morphology by Noyes & Valentine (1989) are

 presented in Figs.A-G.

 

For greater detail on specific geographic areas also please refer to regional keys as follows:

 

World Key (J. S. Noyes) =  <noyes.htm>

North America  =  <nearct-1.key.htm>

Canada =  <nearct-2.key.htm>

Neotropics (in Spanish) =  <neotro-1.key.htm>

Europe =  <palear-3.key.htm>

Czech & Slovak Republics =  <palear-4.key.htm>

Southern Africa =  <ethiop-1.key.htm>

India & Surroundings =  <india-1.key.htm>

Australasia =  <austra-1.key.htm> & <austra-3.key.htm>

New Zealand =  <austra-2.key.htm>

 

-------------------------------------------------

 

 248a (123b).    Hind femur enlarged, with ventral teeth, either a few large or many small ones (saw-like) (Fig.A); hind tibia not quite equal to femur and arched; specimens usually 5-15 mm, broad bodied, rarely <1-2 mm........................A.................249

 

248b.    Hind femur not enlarged, ventral teeth, if present, 2 or less, or ventral edge serrated  (Fig. A); hindtibia straight (rarely half length of femur); specimens usually 1-10 mm.,  robust  to fragile.................................................................….................253

 

249a (248a).   Prepectus reduced or fused (Fig.A), not readily apparent, of if so, not triangular in outline (Fig.A).... A.. 250

 

249b.    Prepectus in the form of a triangular plate (Fig.A).................... .....................................................……......................252

 

250a (249a).    Ovipositor directed horizontally [in most species not extended beyond tip of abdomen]; tegula almost an oval disc; fore wing not folded longitudinally; posterior gena with distinct ridge; body often large but not usually metallic

 (Figs.A-D)..... .................... .................... .................... ....................................... A...........................…..Chalcididae......251

 

250b.    Ovipositor curved upwards over abdomen (Fig.A); male abdomen covered by pitted hard  covering of fused dorsal plates (Fig.A ); tegula narrowly extended forward, ladel-like; fore wing often folded longitudinally; body large, wasp-like, with fore wing longitudinally folded as in Vespidae, frequently with black and yellow pattern (Figs.B-D).....................Leucospidae

 

251a (2    251a).    Frons projects as 2 "horns" (surrounding antennae) in dorsal view (Fig.A); petiole on abdomen, not long but with distinct dorsal ridges; ventral edge of hind femur with smoothly arched comb of minute teeth (Figs.B-C)...... A...............

............    .................................. ............................................................... Chalcididae  (generalized) (Dirhininae)  [also see fly-par.htm ]

 

251b.    Frons not modified as "horns," mostly flat in dorsal view (Fig.A); hind tibia almost perpendicularly squared at tip; 2 hind tibial spurs...….... .................... .................... .................... ......................................…........ Chalcididae  (Haltichellinae)

 

251c.    Frons not modified as "horns," mostly flat in dorsal view; hind tibia obliquely squared at tip (Fig.A); either 1hind tibial spur or spur not apparent; abdominal petiole eitherconcealed or much  shorter than 1/2 length of abdomen and not striated longitudinally......................................... ................................................………..............................Chalcididae  (Chalcidinae)

 

252a (249b).    Eyes diverge ventrally; antennae inserted low on face; ovipositor not protrudin  (Figs.A-B).... .....................…

.................... .................... ........................ …... A..........Pteromalidae (Chalcedectini: Cleonyminae)  (part) [also see 294]

 

252b.    Eyes nearly parallel; antennae inserted near middle of face; ovipositor protruding  (Figs.A-C).....….............................

. .................... .................... ........................................ Torymidae  (generalized)  (Podagrionini: Monodontomerinae)  (part)

 

253a (248b).    Antennae with 5-7 segments between pedicel and club; tarsi usually with 5 segments (if with 4, then males of Tetracampidae, or tiny specimens with long antennae  and characteristic wings, (see Mymaridae illustrations) (Fig.A)..........

.................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................................... .............................. A.............254

 

253b.    Antennae with 0-4 segments between pedicel and club; tarsi with 3, 4, or 5 segments  (Fig.A); or specimens 0.2-1 or 2 mm. long and such characters hard to see (many tiny fragile specimens)..................................................................................287

 

254a (253a).    Hind wing without stalk, expanded as shown; forewing venation ends beyond basal 1/3rd (postmarginal present, stigmal elongated to sessile) (Fig.A); specimens usually >2 mm....................... .................... .............................. A...........256

 

254b.    Hind wing stalked and elongated (rarely reduced to only a short stub, hooked at tip); fore wing venation linear, ending in basal 1/3rd (postmarginal vein absent, stigmal rudimentary), or seemingly absent; specimens usually <2 mm........................255

 

255a (254b).    Abdominal petiole with distinct 2 segments and very thin; fore wing reticulate (= net-like); both fore and hind wings narrow at base into a linear stalk (Fig.A); mandibles with teeth exodont (extended outwards); antennal sockets closer to eyes than to each other (rare in North American collections)..................... ................................. A.........Mymerommatidae

 

255b.    Abdominal petiole with 1 segment or none; fore wing membrane smooth, hind wing membrane not reaching base, but reduced to a linear stalk formed by submarginal vein (Fig.A); frons with H-shaped impressed lines (Fig.A ); antennal sockets much closer to  eyes than to each other; egg parasites (common in North American collections)............. .................................

.............. .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ......................................(Figs.B-H)......Mymaridae

 

256a (254a).    Mesopleuron concave; midtibial spur thin and like a spine (Fig.A)... .......................................... A...........257

 

256b.    Mesopleuron convex (bulging); midtibial spur relatively thick (Fig.A)...........……............ ........................................283

 

257a (256a).    Head projects forward, female mandible with rasplike appendage; female scape always distinctly widened but irregular in shape (Fig.A), 3rd antennal segment not ring-like but extended mesodorsally into a thick spine (Fig.A); eyes very small or vestigial, celli mostly absent; at least hind tibia shorter than femur; male wingless (much modified) or short-winged, wing stumps often as short filaments, rarely with narrow wing blade; body yellowish to dark brown or black, with shortened spiny tibiae, tarsal segments often very reduced; not parasitic and collected from fig fruits (Figs.B-F)...... A.....Agaonidae

 

257b.    Head projects downward,female without appendage on mandible; hind tibia at least as long as femur, usually longer; male similar to female (Fig.A).................................………........... .................... .................... ..................................................258

 

258a (257b).    Antennal insertion definitely more than one socket diameter above free margin of clypeus; if doubtful, then

 either eyes diverge ventrally or side of head ("cheeks") ridged (carinate)..........................A..……(Fig.A)……………...260

 

258b.    Antennal insertion less than one socket diameter above free margin of clypeus; if doubtful, side of head without ridges

.................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... .................... ....................(Fig.A).................259

 

259a (258b).    Antennae arise at side and below free margin of clypeus; thorax with some distinct pits or wrinkles, often also head; scutellum without sublateral lines but often with pitted frenal line (Fig.A ); fore wing membrane flat, pubescent, without a tuft of scales; frons with median pitted groove; abdominal petiole longer than wide; body black or slightly metallic (Figs.B-D) (common in North American collections)... A...Pteromalidae  (Spalangiinae)....[also see 294 and fly-par.htm ]

 

259b.    Antennae arise slightly above free margin of clypeus; abdominal petiole not visible (Fig. A) (rare in North American collections)...................................................................……............... Pteromalidae   (Ceinae)  [also see Asaphinae & Eunotinae].

 

260a (258a).    Fore wing stigma enlarged (Fig.A), longer than stigmal vein, and projects toward hind margin of wing; ovipositor sheaths always protruding; antennae with 7 funicle segments; thorax with rather sparse and usually outstanding conspicuous hairs, always without short hairs; body often somewhat yellow and rarely metallic (Figs.B-C). ............... ............... ............... ............... .......................................................................………........... ................. A..............Torymidae  (Megastigminae).

 

260b.    Fore wing stigma not enlarged, shorter than stigmal vein (stigma at times surrounded by pigmented tainlike area); ovipositor and antenna variable (Fig.A)........... ............... ............... ............... ............... ..............................….......................261

 

261a (260b).    Scutellum with submedian grooves that meet prescutal sutures and outline a median rectangular area (ra) or stigmal vein long and almost at right angle to marginal vein (Figs.A-B) (rare in collections from fig fruits in Florida...............…

............... ............... ............... ............... ............... ................................ ...............…...A........... Torymidae  (Sycophaginae)

 

261b.    Scutellum without submedian grooves, prescutal sutures separated from scutellum by axilla (= triangular or rounded sclerite on side of scutellum and mostly just back of the base of front wing); either stigmal vein ling and angled off of marginal vein or short  (Fig.A) (common & widespread in North America)...... ...........................................….......................................262

 

262a (261b).    Hind coxa much longer and wider than forecoxa by 2-3 times; if doubtful, then prescutal sutures absent or weak and female with protruding ovipositor (Fig.A)...… ................ ................ ................ ................ ...................... A...…........263

 

262b.    Hind coxa nearly same size as fore coxa; if doubtful, then prescutal sutures well  developed and female ovipositor not protruding (Fig.A).............................. ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ........................…......................265

 

263a (262a).    Ovipositor at least a little protruding; both sexes: abdomen without pits; propodeum postero-laterally angled and does not project over hind coxa (dorsal view); cerci of last dorsal plate elongated or 4-sided and with long setae (not as apparent in male as female); pronotum mostly long, often almost conical; prepectus almost equal to tegula; hind tibial spurs thin; male abdomen collapsed or convex, in latter case at least as high as broad, without lateral edge  (Figs.A-E).......... ..............

................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ........................... A............Torymidae...(Subfamilies: …….....…  264)

 

263b.    Ovipositor not protruding; both sexes:  pronotum relatively short; abdomen with pits and always heavily sclerotized; propodeum postero-laterally rounded and projects over hind  coxa (dorsal view); cerci of last dorsal plate reduced to low plates (like a disk); prepectus  much smaller than tegula; hind tibial spurs thickened (Figs.A-B).................….....................Ormyridae

 

264a (263a).    Metapleuron with straight anterior margin; stigmal vein much shorter than breadth of coastal cell, stigma at most only slightly knobbed (Fig.A ); head and thorax always metallic or slightly so in Australian species; hairs on thorax usually dense and short............................................. ............................……................... A.........Torymidae  (Monodontomerinae)

 

264b.    Metapleuron with anterior margin angled or protruding forward (Fig.A ), so that metapleuron forms a distinct lobe; antennae of Australian species always with 1 anellus (ring segment) and 7 funicular segments (Fig.B)..............……...............

................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ............. ................ .......................... Torymidae  (Toryminae)

 

265a (262b).    Pronotum rectangular in dorsal view, about as wide as scutum, sides parallel and flat laterally;  body black, yellow, or mixed black & yellow, but rarely faintly metallic; thorax mostly with coarse hairy pits; abdomen usually oval in crossview and compressed laterally (Figs.A-D)....................................................... A.....Eurytomidae (Subfamilies:   266)

 

265b.    Pronotum in dorsal view narrowed to a transverse (= at right angles to longitudinal axis) strip, or not visible (if elongated, then narrower at base than apex and sides concave to accomodate front femora (rare, some Cleonyminae); body often metallic blue or green, rarely black; abdomen usually keel-shaped (triangular in cross view) and somewhat

 compressed dorsally (Fig.A)............................. ................ ............................................................…........................................268

 

266a (265a).    Prepectus (p) as large or larger than tegula; antennae at most with 12 segments (Fig.A ), with only 1 ring segment and this often almost fused with first funicular