Chalcid Fly (Noun)
Meaning
Any of various tiny insects whose larvae are parasites on eggs and larvae of other insects; many are beneficial in destroying injurious insects.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- Chalcid flies have proven effective in controlling the populations of pest insects such as aphids and scale insects.
- These beneficial wasps and chalcid flies lay their eggs inside the bodies of pests like aphids and caterpillars.
- Insect eggs that have been parasitized by a chalcid fly often have tiny holes and the embryo has been destroyed.
- Trichogramma, a genus of chalcid flies, are commercially produced as a biological control to suppress pests like caterpillars.
- Many farmers deliberately introduce chalcid flies to their crops to take advantage of the beneficial effects they have on controlling pests naturally.