Macroplectron, Hansson, 2024

Hansson, Christer, 2024, Two new genera of Eulophinae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), including four new species parasitoids on Gracillariidae (Lepidoptera) leaf miners in Costa Rica, Zootaxa 5447 (4), pp. 562-572 : 567

Macroplectron gen. nov.

Type species: Macroplectron nishidai sp. nov.

Etymology. The name is from the Greek macros = long, and plectron = spur, based on the long spur on hind tibiae. The gender is neuter.

Diagnosis. Head without postoccipital carina. Antenna with five large flagellomeres: two funiculars and three clavomeres ( Figs 18–20 ). Mesoscutum with distinct and complete notauli ( Figs 9, 11, 13 ). Mesoscutellum with weak sublateral grooves, very weak in anterior one-third, without posterior groove ( Figs 9, 11, 13 ). Dorsellum convex with weak reticulation, posterior margin evenly rounded ( Figs 9, 11, 13 ). Propodeum with a strong and complete median carina with anterior part triangular (but not as a cup) and with complete plicae ( Figs 9, 11, 13 ). Mesepimeron without a transverse sulcus ( Figs 8, 10, 12 . Fore wing speculum absent ( Fig. 8 ), or present but then small ( Fig. 13 ); postmarginal vein 0.7–1.0× as long as stigmal vein. Hind leg with a single strong tibial spur at apex ( Figs 9, 11, 13 ), spur 0.6–0.7× as long as hind tarsus. Petiole transverse, 0.7–1.0× as long as wide with strong sculpture on dorsal surface ( Figs 9, 11, 13 ).

Identification.There are currently no identification tools for the 41 Eulophinae genera hitherto recorded from the Neotropical region, but Macroplectron is easily identified through the following combination of characters: antenna with five large flagellomeres: two funiculars and three clavomeres; mesoscutum with distinct and complete notauli; propodeum with complete plicae; hind leg with a single strong tibial spur at apex, spur 0.6–0.7× as long as hind tarsus.

Description. Head with eyes with scattered short hairs; malar sulcus present; clypeus undelimited, with ventral margin ±straight; mandibles with two large teeth at apex and with a row of three small teeth above these; antennal scrobes undelimited; without occipital and postoccipital carinae; occipital margin rounded. Antenna inserted at lower level of eyes, scape not reaching anterior ocellus; male scape enlarged, wider than in female; with five large flagellomeres: two funiculars and three clavomeres, with two small anelli; male with unbranched flagellomeres. Pronotum ±rectangular, with strong reticulation and ±evenly dispersed setae, without a carina along anterior margin of pronotal collar. Mesoscutum with distinct and complete notauli. Mesoscutellum with weak reticulation, meshes ±isodiametric, with weak sublateral grooves especially so in anterior one-third, without posterior groove, with two pairs of long and strong setae attached just outside of sublateral grooves, one pair in median part and one pair close to posterior margin. Axillae not advanced forward of transscutal articulation. Dorsellum convex with weak reticulation, posterior margin evenly rounded. Propodeum with a strong and complete median carina with anterior part triangular (but not as a cup) and with complete plicae; propodeal callus with 12–15 setae. Mesepimeron without a transverse sulcus and fovea. Fore wing with 6–11 setae on dorsal surface of submarginal vein; speculum absent or present but small and then closed below and towards base of wing; costal cell with numerous scattered setae throughout on ventral surface, and with a row of setae in apico-dorsal one-third; postmarginal vein 0.7–1.0× as long as stigmal vein. Hind leg with a single strong tibial spur, spur 0.6–0.7× as long as hind tarsus. Petiole transverse in female, 0.7× as long as wide, 1× as long as wide in male, with strong sculpture on dorsal surface.

Figures

FIGURES 14–20. Petiolachertus & Macroplectron spp. nov., head and antennae in lateral view; 14–15. P. castor; 14 female holotype; 15 male paratype; 16–17. P. pollux; 16 female paratype; 17 male paratype; 18–19. M. nishidai; 18 female holotype; 19 male paratype; 20 M. safron, female holotype.

FIGURES 8–13. Macroplectron spp. nov.; 8–11. M. nishidai; 8 female holotype, habitus in lateral view; 9 female holotype, habitus in dorsal view; 10 male paratype, habitus in lateral view; 11 male paratype, habitus in dorsal view; 12–13. M. safron, female holotype; 12 habitus in lateral view; 13 habitus in dorsal view.