Ripiphoridae is a family of unusual parasitic beetles, characterised by wedge-shaped bodies, a hypermetamorphic life cycle and specialisation as parasitoids of bees, wasps and other insects. Different groups within the family attack different hosts: members of the subfamily Ripiphorinae parasitise bees and wasps (Hymenoptera), Ripidiinae parasitise cockroaches (Blattodea) and Pelecotominae parasitise the larvae of xylophagous beetles (Coleoptera). Males of many species are equipped with conspicuously fan-shaped or comb-like antennae, whilst females of some groups are completely wingless and resemble larvae in shape. Adults are usually short-lived (often 1–2 days), feeding on nectar or not feeding at all and focusing on reproduction. Many species are very rare and localised.

Number of Species:

Family Card

Pelecotoma fennica

 

Ripidius quadriceps

 

Metoecus paradoxus