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Scelionidae

plural noun
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Scel·​i·​on·​i·​dae | \ ˌselēˈänəˌdē \

Definition of Scelionidae

: 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

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History and Etymology for Scelionidae

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

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Cite this Entry

“Scelionidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Scelionidae. Accessed 28 Oct. 2020.

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