Abstract

An updated overview of the Chilean Hymenoptera is given. They include a total of 54 families, 506 genera, and 1.411 species, and are characterized by a high degree of endemism. The Ichneumonidae, a characteristic group in Valdivian and subantarctic forests, have the highest species number and percentage of endemic species. Other families rich in species numbers are the Colletidae, Sphecidae, and Braconidae. The small species number in soil related groups, such as Diapriidae and Proctotrupidae, is emphasized. Human and physical resources (collections) in Chile are detailed.