Xiphydriidae

Taxobox

---

image_size = 230px
image_caption = "Xiphydria" type genus of the family Xiphydriidae
name = Xiphydriidae
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Hymenoptera
subordo = Symphyta
superfamilia = Xyeloidea
familia = Xiphydriidae

Xiphydriidae is a family of wood wasp with the distinct characteristic of having a globose head borne on a long, skinny "neck"; they are also unusual in the habit of boring into dead wood, rather than living trees. There has also been homosexual behavior observed in the laboratory. At least one species is apparently attracted to bear caves, although there is no documented connection between the two.

The family is small and ancient, with only around 120 living species in several genera, largely restricted to the Northern Hemisphere (with a few Neotropical species), and a number of fossil taxa.