Chalcid fly \Chal"cid fly`\ [From Gr. chalko`s copper; in allusion to its metallic colors.] (Zo["o]l.) One of a numerous family of hymenopterous insects ({Chalcidid[ae]}. Many are gallflies, others are parasitic on insects.
chalcid fly n : any of various tiny insects whose larvae are parasites on eggs and larvae of other insects; many are beneficial in destroying injurious insects [syn: {chalcidfly}, {chalcid}, {chalcid wasp}]