Macroplectron safron sp. nov.

Figs 12–13, 20, 23, 25

Diagnosis. Predominantly yellowish-brown species (Figs 12, 13). Midlobe of mesoscutum with one pair of strong setae close to posterior margin and a smaller and weak pair in anterior part, and with a few scattered setae in anterior one-third (Fig. 13). Costal cell in fore wing with a complete row of setae on ventral surface (Fig. 13).

Description (female holotype). Length 1.9 mm. Mesoscutum with very weak reticulation; lateral lobes with a few scattered setae, midlobe with one pair of strong setae close to posterior margin and a smaller and weak pair in anterior part, and with a few scattered setae in anterior one-third. Mesoscutellum with very weak reticulation throughout, meshes isodiametric. Dorsellum smooth. Propodeum with very weak reticulation; propodeal callus with 12 setae. Fore wing with 6&7 setae on dorsal surface of submarginal vein; costal cell with a row of setae along anterior margin in apico-dorsal one-third, also with one complete row of setae on ventral surface.

Colour. Head yellowish-brown. Antennae with scape yellowish-brown, pedicel dark brown in basal one-half and yellowish-brown in apical one-half, flagellum dark brown. Thorax yellowish-brown. Propodeum with part between spiracular sulci dark brown to black, parts lateral to sulci yellowish-brown. Legs yellowish-brown, mid coxa yellowish-white. Wings hyaline. Petiole yellowish-brown. Gaster with Gt 1 with antero-lateral parts and Gt 3-5 dark brown, remaining parts of Gt 1 and Gt 6-7 yellowish-brown, gonoplac dark brown.

Relative measurements: head length, dorsal view 16; head length, frontal view 25.5; head width 35.5; POL 6.5; OOL 5.5; mouth width 7.5; malar space 9.5; eye length 15.5; lateral ocellus diameter 3; scape length 13; scape width 4; pedicel length 6.5; pedicel width, dorsal view 3.5; flagellum length 37; F1 length 8; F1 width 4; F2 length 7; F2 width 5; clava length 14; clava width 5.5; pronotum length 11; pronotum width 24; mesosoma length 55; mesosoma width 31; midlobe of mesoscutum length 18; midlobe of mesoscutum width across posterior margin 11; sidelobes of mesoscutum width across posterior margin 9; mesoscutellum length 17; mesoscutellum width 19; propodeum length 6.5; hind tibia length 31; hind tibial spur length 20; hind tarsus length 31; hind basitarsus length 11; fore wing length 110; fore wing width 45; costal cell length 32; costal cell width 3; marginal vein length 37; postmarginal vein length 6.5; stigmal vein length 9; petiole length 6; petiole width 9; gaster length 67; gaster width 35.

Male. Unknown

Hosts. Unknown.

Distribution. Costa Rica.

Etymology. From the spice saffron, which is yellow, referring to the predominant colour of this species.

Material. Holotype female: COSTA RICA, Alajuela, Parque Nacional Arenal, 10º28’N, 84º45’W, 617m, 21– 28.ii.2005, C. Hansson (MZLU).