any of more than 22,000 species of rather small parasitic wasps (order Hymenoptera). Some authorities believe that this superfamily may actually contain about 100,000 species, although these have not been documented. The average size is about 2 to 3 mm (0.08 to 0.12 inch). Chalcids are usually black or yellow with transparent wings. The adults feed on plant nectar or on the fluids from the wounds of animals. The larvae of most species are parasitic on insects that are pests of food crops, making them beneficial to humans.

The Chalcidoidea is a widely distributed group that is divided into about 19 families, chief among which are the Mymaridae (fairyfly), Trichogrammatidae, Eulophidae, Encyrtidae, Eupelmidae, Perilampidae, Agaonidae ( fig wasp, q.v.), Torymidae, Pteromalidae, Eurytomidae (seed chalcid), and Chalcididae. Some of the Leucospidae, largest of the chalcids, reach 15 mm in length.