: Flat wasps of the genera Sclerodermus and Cephalonomia (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) are ectoparasitoids of larvae from various insect orders. They are important biological control agents against stored-product insect pests and xylophagous insects. In humans, these genera encompass species that are responsible for the emergence of sting lesions worldwide. Despite their importance for human health, there are very few reports in the literature that provide a comprehensive overview of this topic. This review, based on literature data and authors' personal experience, describes skin lesions induced by insect species belonging to the Sclerodermus and Cephalonomia genera, focusing on possible involved pathomechanism, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and environmental disinfestation.
Human ectoparasitoses by flat wasps of the genera Sclerodermus and Cephalonomia (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae)
Masini, Paolo;Stingeni, Luca
Conceptualization
;Salerno, Gianandrea;Saitta, Valerio;Rebora, Manuela;Ornielli, MatteoData Curation
;Hansel, KatharinaConceptualization
;Bianchi, LeonardoConceptualization
;Casciola, GabrieleData Curation
2025
Abstract
: Flat wasps of the genera Sclerodermus and Cephalonomia (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) are ectoparasitoids of larvae from various insect orders. They are important biological control agents against stored-product insect pests and xylophagous insects. In humans, these genera encompass species that are responsible for the emergence of sting lesions worldwide. Despite their importance for human health, there are very few reports in the literature that provide a comprehensive overview of this topic. This review, based on literature data and authors' personal experience, describes skin lesions induced by insect species belonging to the Sclerodermus and Cephalonomia genera, focusing on possible involved pathomechanism, diagnosis, therapeutic management, and environmental disinfestation.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.