Xyelidae

views updated

Xyelidae (suborder Symphyta; super-family Xyeloidea) Uncommon, primitive, symphytan family, whose members are generally less than 5 mm long. Adults are brownish, with a very long third antennal segment, and feed on pollen from catkins of birch and other trees. The larvae are maggot-like, with short legs. Those of some species develop within pine cones, but others are external feeders on elm and hickory.