Macroplectron safron, 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 : 569-571

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).

Figures

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.

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 21–26. Petiolachertus & Macroplectron spp. nov.; 21–23. Head in frontal view; 21 M. nishidai, female paratype; 22 M. nishidai, male paratype; 23 M. safron, female holotype; 24–26. Vertex; 24 M. nishidai, female holotype; 25 M. safron, female holotype; 26 P. castor, female holotype.