Hymenoptera 



275 



contained maggot. Some species attack the caterpillars of moths, 

 and others like Chalcis o-uata (fig. 152) feed in pups. 



Proctotrypidae. — The Proctotri/plda are a large family of small 

 Hymenoptera distinguished from the Chalcidida; by the pronotum 

 being closely lused with the mesothorax and reaching back to the 

 bases of the fore-wings. The neuration varies greatly ; in some genera 

 a few nervures and cells are present ; in others none. The hind- 

 body is pointed at the tip and the ovipositor is tubular. The 



Fig. 152. — c. Chalcis ovata, Say., N. America ; d. outline from side ; a. 

 pupa ; e. cast pupal skin, magnified 4 times ; />. pupa of Moth (Orgyia), 

 whence chalcid has emerged, twice natural size. From Howard, Bull. 5 

 (tech. ser.), Div. Ent. U.S. Dept. Agr. 



trochanters are usually segmented, but in some genera they are 

 simple. The larvae live parasitcaliy within the bodies of insects; 

 those of some very minute species find food enough in other insects' 

 eggs. In some Proctotrypidae the larva in its first stage is broad 

 in front and tapers behind to a point whence spring several 

 tail - processes ; this is ultimately changed into the ordinary 

 Hymenopterous maggot. Some genera of the sub-family My- 

 maritid — tiny and delicate insects, with narrow wings fringed 

 with long hairs — are aquatic in their habits and their larva; are 

 believed to feed in the eggs of dragon-flies. The Proctotrypidae 

 have a world-wide range and must number many thousands of 

 species (160). 



