Scelionidae

plural noun

Scel·​i·​on·​i·​dae
ˌselēˈänəˌdē
: a cosmopolitan family of serphoid wasps that are mostly very small, dark, and shining, have elbowed usually 11-segmented or 12-segmented antennae, and include many economically important parasites of pest insects

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Scelion-, Scelio, type genus (probably from Latin scelion-, scelio scoundrel, from scelus crime) + -idae

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Dictionary Entries Near Scelionidae

Cite this Entry

“Scelionidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Scelionidae. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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