/kal"sid fluy'/ , n. , pl. chalcidflies .
any of numerous small flies of the family Chalcididae, often having bright metallic coloration, the larvae of which are chiefly parasitic on various stages of other insects. Also called chalcid /kal"sid/ , chalcid fly, chalcid wasp .
[ 1890-95; chalk ( ós ) copper, brass (with allusion to the coloration) + -ID 2 + FLY 2 ]