Diagnosis

Unfortunately, no single character or combination of characters is specific for Pteromalidae, indicating that the group is not monophyletic. Pteromalids are better characterized by what they don't have compared to other families of Chalcidoidea. However some general characters, which are common in many pteromalids, are listed bellow:

1. At least fore and hind tarsi 5-segmented (99.9%); the exception is Zebe La Salle, with all tarsi 4-segmented;

2. Small to very large chalcids, body slender to quite robust, from 1-48 mm in length (100%);

3. Body usually metallic, often strongly so (70%);

4. Antennae 8-13 segmented (including up to 3 annelli) (100%);

5. Fully winged forms with forewing with marginal vein at least several times longer than broad (98%), with postmarginal and stigmal vein well-developed, rarely quite short (5%); speculum distinct (99%);

6. Spur of fore tibia curved (?100%).

As it is common for the complex, poorly studied and diverse groups of organisms, the phylogenetic relationships of Pteromalidae are far from being understood. In this context an important task is to identify new characters, including molecular ones, which can be used to reveal the phylogeny of this group.