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chalcid

chalcid

9.9
A tiny wasp that lays eggs in other insect eggs or young insects and helps control pests
  • noun
  • /ˈkæl.sɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : chalcid
  • Several species of chalcid help reduce populations of crop-damaging insects.

Examples

  • The chalcid is often used in agriculture for natural pest control.

  • Scientists studied the life cycle of a chalcid to understand its parasitic behavior.

  • The chalcid is known for its tiny size.

  • Many chalcids help control pest populations.

  • Several species of chalcid help reduce populations of crop-damaging insects.

  • The chalcid is often used in agriculture for natural pest control.

  • Scientists studied the life cycle of a chalcid to understand its parasitic behavior.

Synonyms

chalcidfly
vschalcid
  • Specialized
9.9

A very small wasp-like insect whose young live inside and eat other insects' eggs or baby insects

is similar but not always described as intentionally used for pest control
chalcid wasp
vschalcid
  • Specialized
9.9

A very small wasp whose young grow inside other insects' eggs or young, helping to control pests

focuses more on being beneficial for controlling harmful insect populations
chalcid fly
vschalcid
  • Specialized
9.9

A very small wasp that lays eggs in other insects' eggs or young and helps control pests

is a general description emphasizing biology rather than benefit judgment
chalcis fly
vschalcid
  • Specialized
9.9

A small wasp that lays eggs inside other insects so its young eat them

is broader, focusing on parasitic larvae and pest control rather than family traits

Compounds

chalcid fly
  • Specialized
9.9

A very small wasp that lays eggs in other insects' eggs or young and helps control pests

chalcid wasp
  • Specialized
9.9

A very small wasp whose young grow inside other insects' eggs or young, helping to control pests

Surface Forms

chalcid singular
chalcids plural

Etymology

Chalcid comes from the old Greek word chalkos meaning 'copper' because many of these tiny wasps are shiny and look like small bits of metal. That's why chalcid refers to very small wasp-like insects whose young live in or on other insects and often help control pests.