| Examples: | sawflies, ichneumons, chalcids, ants, wasps, bees |
| Wings: | 0-4; hindwings smaller than forewings |
| Mouthparts: | chewing, chewing-sucking |
| Usual number of tarsal segments: | 5 |
| Metamorphopsis: | complete |
| Usual size: | minute to large |
| Where usually found: | on ground or vegetation |