Meteorus species

Aguirre, Helmuth, Sarmiento, Carlos E. & Shaw, Scott R., 2011, Taxonomic revision and morphometric analysis of Meteorus Haliday, 1835 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Meteorinae) from Colombia 2938, Zootaxa 2938 (1), pp. 1-68 : 10-22

Descriptions of Meteorus species from Colombia

Meteorus Haliday, 1835 Meteorus Haliday, 1835:24 . Type species Meteorus pendulator (Latreille) Saprotichus Holmgren, 1868:430 . Type species Saprotichus chinensis Holmgren

Diagnosis. Labrum completely concealed by clypeus; occipital carina present, complete or incomplete; epicnemial carina present; fore wing without vein 2cu-a, open first subdiscal cell; vein 3RSb straight; vein r-m present, forming a characteristic rhomboid or quadrate second submarginal cell; marginal cell of hind wing narrowed toward apex; vein m-cu absent; petiole at least 2.5 times wider at posterior margin than at narrowest point; metasomal terga with setae arranged in a single subapical row per tergum.

Meteorus alejandromasisi Zitani, 1998 ( Fig. 115 ) Meteorus alejandromasisi Zitani, 1998: 188–191 .

Diagnosis. Mandible twisted, ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance 0.9–1.4 x ocellar diameter, occipital carina not complete, hyaline wings, propodeum aerolate-rugose, hind coxa finely rugulose, tarsal claw with a large lobe, dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along ½ of segment, short ovipositor, ovipositor 1.8– 2.2 x longer than first tergite.

Female variation. Body length 3.2–4 mm; head 1.1–1.2 x wider than high; ocelli ocular distance 0.9–1.4 x ocellar diameter; head height 1.5–1.6 x eye height; temples length 0.5–0.6 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons smooth and polished; maximum face width 1.1–1.3 x minimum face width; face strigulate; minimum face width 1.2–1.4 x clypeus width; clypeus finely rugulose; malar space length 0.7–1.3 x mandible width basally; pronotum in lateral view rugose; propleuron rugulose punctate; central lobe of mesoscutum densely punctate; mesopleuron puncticulate and polished; metapleuron smooth; median carina on propodeum present; wing length 3–3.7 mm; vein r 0.6–0.7 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.8–0.9 x length of rm; vein 1M 0.7–0.9 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 0.7–1 x length of 1r-m; ovipositor 1.8–2.2 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. alejandromasisi shares with M. uno the following combination of characters: mandible twisted, eyes parallel or nearly parallel, occipital carina not complete, notauli not distinct, dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along ½ of segment and short ovipositor. M. alejandromasisi can be distinguished from M. uno by the following characteristics: a large basal lobe on the tarsal claw, pronotum entirely yellow, mesonotum yellow, propodeum brown dorsally and posteriorly, first tergite yellow basally, metasoma with tergites 2–4 brown laterally, and wings hyaline.

Material examined. Holotype female examined, UWIM. 45 females, 13 males COLOMBIA, Antioquia, Mun. Carolina, 1700 m, parasitoide de Megalopyge albicollis , 22.vi.2009, R. Ángel & G. Abril leg., MEFLG.

Distribution. In Costa Rica M. alejandromasisi inhabits dry and intermediate forests, between 95–295 m in elevation ( Zitani et al. 1998). In Colombia it reaches 1700 m becoming the highest reported elevation for this species.

Biology. Gregarious parasitoid of Megalopyge albicollis Walker ( Lepidoptera , Megalopygidae ) in Colombia. Reported as gregarious parasitoid of Hesperiidae in Costa Rica ( Zitani et al. 1998)

Meteorus amazonensis Aguirre & Shaw sp. nov. ( Figs. 23 , 48 , 67 , 86 , 117 )

Diagnosis. Mandible not twisted, ocelli small, ocelli ocular distance 2.3–2.7 x ocellar diameter, head height 1.5–1.6 x eye height, occipital carina complete, notauli distinct, wings hyaline, hind coxa punctuate and polished, tarsal claw simple, dorsopes present, ventral borders of first tergite widely separated, long ovipositor, ovipositor 2.5–3.1 x longer than first tergite.

Body color. Body dark brown except antennae with scape and pedicel yellow, clypeus yellow ventrally, face light brown; mesosoma with pronotum ventrally and propleuron yellow; legs yellow; metasoma with petiole light brown basally and apically, sternum brown lighter than remaining body; wings hyaline.

Body length. 3.8 mm.

Head. Antenna with 28 flagellomeres; flagellar length/width ratios as follows: F1 = 3.7; F2 = 5; F3 = 4.5; F18 = 2.6; F21 = 2.2; F22 = 2.5; F23 = 2.2; F24 = 2.2; F25 = 2.1; F26 = 2.6; F27 = 2.2; F28 = 2.5; head 1.3 x wider than high; occipital carina complete; ocelli small, ocelli ocular distance 2.6 x ocellar diameter; eyes protuberant; head height 1.5 x eye height; temples length 0.5 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons smooth and polished; eyes parallel or near parallel, maximum face width 1.1 x minimum face width; face punctuate; minimum face width 0.9 x clypeus width; clypeus punctuate; malar space length 0.4 x mandible width basally; mandible not twisted.

Mesosoma . Pronotum in lateral view carinate rugose; propleuron punctulate; notauli distinct and foveolate; mesonotal lobes well defined; central lobe of mesoscutum smooth; scutellar furrow with three carinae; mesopleuron smooth and polished; sternaulus long, narrow and foveolate; metapleuron smooth; propodeum carinate rugose with distinct longitudinal and transverse carinae; median longitudinal carina on propodeum present; median depression on propodeum absent.

Legs. Hind coxa punctate polished; tarsal claw simple.

Wings. Wing length 3 mm; vein r 0.5 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 1 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 1.5 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 1.3 x length of 1r-m.

Metasoma. Dorsope present; ventral borders of first tergite widely separated; first tergite rugulose costate; ovipositor 2.5 x longer than first tergite.

Female variation. Body length 3–4 mm; antenna with 26–28 flagellomeres; head 1.2–1.3 x wider than high; ocelli ocular distance 2.3–2.7 x ocellar diameter; head height 1.5–1.6 x eye height; face punctate or puncticulate rugulose; malar space length 0.3–0.6 x mandible width basally; pronotum in lateral view carinate rugose or carinate punctate; central lobe of mesoscutum smooth or punctate and polished; scutellar furrow with three or four carinae; sternaulus long and narrow or short and narrow; propodeum rugose or carinate-rugose with distinct longitudinal and transverse carinae; wing length 2.8–3.3 mm; vein 3RSa 0.9–1 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal or intersticial; vein 1M 1.4–2 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 1–1.3 x length of 1r-m; ovipositor 2.5–3.1 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. amazonensis shares with M. muiscai and M. guacharensis the following combination of characters: mandible not twisted, ocelli small, eyes parallel and protuberant, occipital carina complete, notauli distinct, hind coxa punctuate and polished, tarsal claw simple, dorsope present, ventral borders of first tergite widely separated and long ovipositor. M. amazonensis can be separated from M. muiscai by the following characters: larger eyes, the head height/ eye height ratio is 1.5–1.6, smaller temples, temples length 0.5 x eyes length in dorsal view, and antenna with 26–28 flagellomeres. M. amazonensis can be distinguished from M. guacharensis by having larger eyes, smaller temple length / eye length ration in dorsal view, vein 1M 1.4–2 x length of cu-a, antenna with 26–28 flagellomeres and mesopleuron smooth and polished.

Holotype. Female (point mounted), COLOMBIA, Amazonas, PNN Amacayacu Matamata, 3º41'S 70º15'W, 150 m, Malaise, 17.xii.2000 – 2.i.2001, A. Parente leg., ICN.

Paratypes. 1 female, same data as holotype except collected on 1–2.ii.1989, M. Kelsey leg. ; 1 female, COLOMBIA, Amazonas , PNN Amacayacu San Martín, 3º46'S 70º18'W, 150 m, Malaise, 23–30.iv.2000, B. Amado leg. , ICN; the same data as before except collected on the following dates : 1 female, 26.x–3.xi.2000, A. Parente leg.; 1 female, 10–18.x.2000, B. Amado leg.; 1 female, ii.1989, M. Kelsey leg. All paratypes deposited at ICN .

Distribution. Colombia, Amazonas Department, Amacayacu National Natural Park, a tropical wet forest, 150 m elevation.

Biology. Unknown.

Etymology. The specific name refers to Amazonas Department.

Meteorus andreae Aguirre & Shaw sp. nov. ( Figs. 49 , 68 , 87 , 104 , 116 )

Diagnosis. Mandible moderately twisted; convergent eyes, maximum face width 1.7–2 x minimum face width; occipital carina not complete; notauli distinct; wings hyaline; propodeum with a distinct median and transverse carina creating very large, defined aerolae; hind coxa punctate and smooth; tarsal claw simple; dorsopes present; ventral borders of first tergite widely separated; long ovipositor, ovipositor 3.3–4 x longer than first tergite.

Body color. Body black except head orange with area between ocelli, vertex and occipital carina dark brown; pronotum yellow; pro and mesothoracic legs with coxa, trochanter, trochantellus and femur yellow, tibia and tarsus light brown; metathoracic legs with coxa and middle part of femur yellow, remaining dark brown; metasoma with first tergite dark brown, T2 yellow; sternum 1–4 yellow; wings hyaline.

Body length. 4 mm.

Head. Antenna with 27 flagellomeres; flagellar length/width ratios as follows: F1 = 3.9; F2 = 4.2; F3 = 3.7; F18 = 2; F21 = 2; F22 = 1.7; F23 = 2; F24 = 1.7; F25 = 1.7; F26 = 1.7; F28 = 2.1; F29 = 2; F30 = 2; F31 = 3.1; head 1.2 x wider than high; occipital carina not complete; ocelli ocular distance 1.4 x ocellar diameter; eyes large and protuberant, head height 1.4 x eye height; temples length 0.4 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons smooth and polished; eyes convergent, maximum face width 2 x minimum face width; face punctuate; minimum face width 0.6 x clypeus width; clypeus smooth and polished; malar space length 0.1 x mandible width basally; mandible moderately twisted.

Mesosoma . Pronotum in lateral view carinate foveate; propleuron smooth and polished; notauli distinct and foveolate; mesonotal lobes well defined; central lobe of mesoscutum smooth and polished; scutellar furrow with one carina; mesopleuron smooth and polished; sternaulus long, narrow and foveolate; metapleuron finely rugulose; propodeum carinate with distinct longitudinal and transverse carinae; median longitudinal carina on propodeum present; median depression on propodeum absent.

Legs. Hind coxa punctate polished; tarsal claw simple.

Wings. Wing length 3.2 mm; vein r 0.7 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.8 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 1.1 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 1.1 x length of 1r-m.

Metasoma. Dorsope present; ventral borders of first tergite widely separated; first tergite with costae parallel; long ovipositor, ovipositor 3.6 x longer than first tergite.

Female variation. Pronotum brown; metathoracic leg with coxa yellow; body length 3.5–4.3 mm; antenna with 27–32 flagellomeres; ocelli ocular distance 1.4–2.1 x ocellar diameter; head height 1.4–1.5 x eye height; temples length 0.4–0.5 x eyes length in dorsal view; maximum face width 1.7–2 x minimum face width; minimum face width 0.6–0.7 x clypeus width; clypeus smooth and polished or puncticulate; malar space length 0.1–0.3 x mandible width basally; central lobe of mesoscutum smooth and polished or punctate and polished; scutellar furrow with one or two carinae; wing length 3–3.9 mm; vein r 0.6–0.9 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.7–0.8 x length of rm; vein 1M 1–1.4 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 0.8–1.3 x length of 1r-m; first tergite with costae parallel or rugulose costate; ovipositor 3.3–4 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. andreae shares with M. quimbayensis and M. iguaquensis the following combination of characters: mandible moderately twisted, eyes large and convergent, notauli distinct, dorsopes present, ventral borders of first tergite widely separated and long ovipositor. M. andreae can be separated from M. iguaquensis by having a shorter malar space, a malar space length 0.1–0.3 x mandible width basally, antenna with 27–32 flagellomeres and the hind coxa punctate and polished. The latter character also separates M. andreae from M. quimbayensis .

Holotype. 1 female (point mounted), COLOMBIA, Risaralda, SFF Otún Quimbaya Cuchilla Camino , 4º43'N 75º35'W, 2050 m, Malaise, 19.vi–9.vii.2003, G. López leg., ICN.

Paratypes. 2 females, same data as holotype except collected at 1960 m, 7.vii–11.viii.2003 ; 1 female, Huila, PNN Cueva de Los Guácharos Cabaña Cedros , 1º37'N 76º6'W, 2100 m, Malaise, 20.iii–6.iv.2002, J. Fonseca leg. ; 1 female, Cauca, PNN Munchique Sector La Romelia, 2º38'N 76º54'W, 2640 m, Malaise, dentro del Bosque , 25.iv–9.v.2004, H. Pino leg. ; 1 female, Nariño, RN La Planada Parcela Permanente , 1º15'N 78º15'W, 1885 m, Malaise, 2–16.ix.2001, G. Oliva leg. ; 1 female, same data as before except collected in 16.vii–2.viii.2000 . All paratypes are deposited at ICN .

Distribution. Colombia, Huila Department, Cueva de los Guacharos National Natural Park, an andean wet forest; 1885–2640 m elevation.

Biology. Unknown.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to first author´s wife and entomologist colleague Andrea Rodríguez Jiménez.

Meteorus antioquensis Aguirre & Shaw sp. nov. ( Figs. 50 , 69 , 88 , 105 , 118 )

Diagnosis. Mandible moderately twisted, ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance 0.6–0.7 x ocellar diameter, eyes large and protuberant, head height 1.2–1.4 x eye height, occipital carina complete, wings hyaline, propodeum rugose, hind coxa rugulose-punctate, tarsal claw with small lobe, dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite touching for short distance, short and curved ovipositor, ovipositor 1.7–2.1 x longer than first tergite.

Body color. Body testaceous except antennae brown, area between the ocelli dark brown; mesonotum with scutellum dark brown laterally, propodeum dark brown; metathoracic legs with femur apically and tibia brown; metasoma with first tergite dark brown, remaining tergites ligther; wings hyaline.

Body length. 4.2 mm.

Head. Antenna with 32 flagellomeres; flagellar length/width ratios as follows: F1 = 3.7; F2 = 3.5; F3 = 2.8; F18 = 1.7; F21 = 2; F22 = 2; F23 = 2.2; F24 = 2; F25 = 2; F26 = 2.2; F27 = 2; F28 = 1.9; F29 = 1.7; F30 = 2; F31 = 1.9; F32 = 3.7; head 1.2 x wider than high; occipital carina complete; ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance 0.7 x ocellar diameter; eyes large and protuberant, head height 1.3x eye height; temples length 0.4 x eyes length in dorsal view; vertex in dorsal view descending vertically behind laterally ocelli; frons smooth and polished; eyes parallel or near parallel, maximum face width 1.1 x minimum face width; face strigulate; minimum face width 1.1x clypeus width; clypeus rugose; malar space length 0.3 x mandible width basally; mandible moderately twisted.

Mesosoma . Pronotum in lateral view rugose; propleuron rugulose; notauli not distinct and rugose; mesonotal lobes not well defined; central lobe of mesoscutum finely rugulose; scutellar furrow with one carina; mesopleuron puncticulate and polished; sternaulus long, broad and rugose; metapleuron finely rugulose; propodeum rugose; median longitudinal carina on propodeum absent; median depression on propodeum weakly present.

Legs. Hind coxa rugulose punctuate; tarsal claw with small lobe.

Wings. Wing length 4.3 mm; vein r 0.5 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.9 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 1.1 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 0.7 x length of 1r-m.

Metasoma. Dorsope absent; ventral borders of first tergite touching for short distance; first tergite with costae convergent; short ovipositor and curved, ovipositor 2 x longer than first tergite.

Female variation. Body length 3.9–4.5 mm; antenna with 31–33 flagellomeres; ocelli ocular distance 0.6–0.7 x ocellar diameter; head height 1.2–1.4 x eye height; temples length 0.4–0.5 x eyes length in dorsal view; maximum face width 1.1–1.2 x minimum face width; minimum face width 1.1 x clypeus width; clypeus rugose or rugulose; malar space length 0.3–0.5 x mandible width basally; pronotum in lateral view rugose or carinate rugulose; wing length 4–4.7 mm; vein r 0.5–0.8 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.7–0.9 x length of rm; vein 1M 1–1.5 x to length of cu-a; vein 1M 0.7–1 x length of 1r-m; ovipositor 1.7–2.1 x longer than first tergite.

Male variation. Body length 4–4.2 mm; antenna with 32–33 flagellomeres; head 1.2 x wider than high; ocelli smaller than females, ocelli ocular distance 0.7–0.8 x ocellar diameter; eyes smaller than females, head height 1.5 x eye height; temples length 0.6 x eyes length in dorsal view; malar space length 0.6–0.7 x mandible width basally; wing length 3.9–4 mm.

Comments. M. antioquensis shares with M. rubens the following combination of characters: mandible moderately twisted, notauli not distinct, dorsopes absent and ventral borders of first tergite touching for short distance. M. antioquensis can be separated from M. rubens by its larger ocelli, ocelli ocular distance 0.6–0.7 x ocellar diameter, larger eyes, head height 1.2–1.4 x eye height, temples length 0.4–0.5 x eyes length in dorsal view, occipital carina complete, antenna with 31–33 flagellomeres and the presence of a small lobe on the tarsal claw.

Holotype. 1 female (point mounted), COLOMBIA, Antioquia, Caldas, 6º5'N 75º38'W, 1789 m, Parasitoid of Hylesia sp. larva, iv.1980, A. Madrigal leg., MEFLG.

Paratypes. 55 females, 31 males, same data as holotype . Paratypes are deposited at ICN and MEFLG .

Distribution. Colombia, Antioquia Department; 1789 m altitude.

Biology. Gregarious parasitoid of Hylesia sp. ( Lepidoptera : Saturniidae ).

Etymology. The specific name refers to Antioquia department.

Meteorus arizonensis Muesebeck, 1923 ( Fig. 119 ) Meteorus arizonensis Muesebeck, 1923: 34–35 .

Diagnosis. Mandible twisted, ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance 1–1.4 x ocellar diameter, occipital carina complete, propodeum rugose, hind coxa strigate-punctate, tarsal claw with large lobe, dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment, short ovipositor, ovipositor 1.6–1.9 x longer than first tergite, body color almost completely ferruginous.

Female variation. Lateral mesonotal lobes dark brown; body length 4.6–5.5 mm; antenna with 30–32 flagellomeres; head 1.2–1.3 x wider than high; ocelli ocular distance 1–1.4 x ocellar diameter; head height 1.4–1.5 x eye height; temples length 0.6–0.7 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons rugulose or punctate; maximum face width 1.1–1.2 x minimum face width; face strigulate; minimum face width 1–1.1 x clypeus width; clypeus rugulose or strigate; malar space length 0.6–0.7 x mandible width basally; pronotum in lateral view rugose; propleuron coarsely rugulose; central lobe of mesoscutum punctate; scutellar furrow with five carinae; mesopleuron puncticulate and polished; metapleuron rugose; median carina on propodeum absent; wing length 4.4–5.1 mm; vein r 0.5– 0.7 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.9–1.1 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 0.8–1 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 0.6–0.8 x length of 1r-m; ovipositor 1.6–1.9 x longer than first tergite.

Male variation. Body dark brown except prothoracic and mesothoracic legs yellow; trochanter, trochantellus, femur and tibia of metathoracic legs yellow; body length 5 mm; antenna with 32–34 flagellomeres; head 1.1–1.2 x wider than high; ocelli smaller than females; ocelli ocular distance 1.3–1.7 x ocellar diameter; head height 1.6–1.7 x eye height; temples length 0.8–0.9 x eyes length in dorsal view; eyes smaller and less convergent than females; maximum face width 1.1 x minimum face width; malar space length 0.7–0.8 x mandible width basally; vein r 0.4– 0.6 x length of 3Rsa.

Comments. M. arizonensis shares with M. laphygmae the following combination of characters: mandible twisted, occipital carina complete, notauli not distinct, dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment and short ovipositor. M. arizonensis can be separated from M. laphygmae by having temples length 0.6–0.7 x eyes length in dorsal view ratio and having ferruginous body color.

Material examined. Compared with voucher specimens in the UWIM collection. 1 male, COLOMBIA, Cundinamarca, PNN Chingaza La Siberia , 4º31'N 73º45'W, 3170 m, Malaise , 30.iii–13.iv.2001, E. Raigoso leg. ; 4 males, 2 females, Boyacá, SFF Iguaque Cabaña Mamaramos m4, 5º42'N 73º27'W, 2855 m, Malaise , 19.iv– 6.v.2000, P. Reina leg. ; same data as before except the following information : 3 males, 4 females, 23.ix–11.x.2000; 10 males, Jameo , pasto, 2–iv.2000, C. Fagua leg. ; 1 male, Nariño, RN La Planada Parcela Olga, 1º15'N 78º15'W, 1850 m, Malaise , 29.ii–14.iii.2004, G. Oliva leg. ; 9 males, Cauca, PNN Gorgona El Helechal, 2º58'N 78º11'W, 30 m, Winkler , 22–25.iii.2001, R . Duque leg.; 1 male, Santander, Gámbita , vereda cuevas, 2300–2400 m, 28.vii.1994 ; 1 male, Cundinamarca, Vereda Marilandia , 4º25'N 74º5'W, 2905 m, Malaise , 9.v–4.vi.1997, C. Castillo leg.. All specimens are deposited at ICN .

Distribution. Canada: Alberta ( Strickland 1946); United States: Arizona, New Mexico ( Muesebeck 1923) and Texas ( Puterka et al. 1985); Honduras, Nicaragua (Molina_Ochoa et al. 2003). In Colombia M. arizonensis is a widespread species, occurring in heterogeneous localities such as Gorgona island National Natural Park at 30 m. elevation and Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary at 2905 m elevation.

Biology. In Colombia host unknown. Solitary parasitoid of Spodoptera frugiperda Smith ( Lepidoptera : Noctuidae ) in Honduras ( Cave 1993) and Nicaragua ( Maes 1989). Also reported as parasitoid of Grammia geneura (Strecker) ( Lepidoptera : Arctiidae ) in Arizona ( Stireman and Singer 2002) and Helicoverpa zea Boddie ( Lepidoptera : Noctuidae ) in Texas, USA ( Puterka et al. 1985).

Meteorus boyacensis Aguirre & Shaw sp. nov. ( Figs. 51 , 70 , 89 , 120 )

Diagnosis. Mandible moderately twisted, ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance = ocellar diameter, occipital carina complete, notauli distinct, wings hyaline, propodeum rugose, hind coxa strigate-punctate, tarsal claw simple, dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite separated basally and joined apically, long ovipositor, ovipositor 2.6 x longer than first tergite.

Body color. Body dark brown except genae light brown; prothoracic legs yellow; mesothoracic legs with coxa, trochanter, trochantellus, femur, and tibia yellow; metathoracic legs coxa basally, trochanter, trochantellus and femur yellow; metasoma with hypopygium yellow; wings hyaline.

Body length. 4.7 mm.

Head. Antenna with 18 flagellomeres, antennae broken; flagellar length/width ratios as follows: F1 = 3.1; F2 = 3.1; F3 = 2.8; F15 = 1.8; F16 = 2.1; F17 = 1.8; F18 = 1.7; head 1.2 x wider than high; occipital carina complete; ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance = ocellar diameter; eyes small and protuberant, head height 1.5 x eye height; temples length 0.6 x eyes length in dorsal view; vertex in dorsal view descending vertically behind laterally ocelli; frons smooth and polished; eyes parallel or near parallel, maximum face width 1.1 x minimum face width; face strigulate; minimum face width 1.2 x clypeus width; clypeus puncticulate; malar space length 0.7 x mandible width basally; mandible moderately twisted.

Mesosoma . Pronotum in lateral view rugose; propleuron punctulate; notauli distinct and foveate rugose; mesonotal lobes well defined; central lobe of mesoscutum punctate and polished; scutellar furrow with one carina; mesopleuron puncticulate and polished; sternaulus long, narrow and foveate rugulose; metapleuron rugose; propodeum carinate-rugulose; median longitudinal carina on propodeum present; median depression on propodeum absent.

Legs. Hind coxa strigate punctuate; tarsal claw simple.

Wings. Wing length 4.6 mm; vein r 0.7 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.8 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 1.2 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 0.8x length of 1r-m.

Metasoma. Dorsope absent; ventral borders of first tergite separated basally, joined apically; first tergite with costae convergent; long ovipositor, ovipositor 2.6 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. boyacensis shares with M. jerodi and M. rubens the follow characters: mandible moderately twisted, hyalines wings, tarsal claw simple or with a small lobe and first metasomal tergite without dorsopes. M. boyacensis can be separated these species by ventral borders of first tergite separated basally and joined apically, and ovipositor 2.6 x longer than first tergite.

Holotype. 1 female (point mounted), COLOMBIA, Boyacá, SFF Iguaque visitor center, 5º25'N 73º27'W, 2855 m, Malaise, 29.x–25.xi.2000, D. Campos leg., ICN.

Distribution. Colombia, Boyaca Department, Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, high andean wet forest; 2855 m altitude.

Biology. Unknown.

Etymology. The specific name refers to Boyacá Department.

Meteorus calimai Aguirre & Shaw sp. nov. ( Figs. 52 , 71 , 106 , 126 )

Diagnosis. Mandible strongly twisted; ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance 1.2 x ocellar diameter; occipital carina complete; wings hyaline; propodeum rugose; hind coxa strigate; tarsal claw with small lobe; dorsopes absent; ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment; short ovipositor, ovipositor 1.4 x longer than first tergite; head orange, mesosoma formed by mosaic of areas white and black.

Body color. Body dark brown except head orange; pronotum and propleuron white; pro and mesothoracic legs with coxa, trochanter and trochantellus white, femur, tibia and tarsus yellow; metathoracic legs with trochanter and trochantellus yellow, femur, tibia and tarsus brown; metasoma with petiole white basally and apically, middle part of T2–T7 and sterna white; wings hyaline.

Body length. 3.9 mm.

Head. Antenna with 25 flagellomeres; flagellar length/width ratios as follows: F1 = 3.3; F2 = 3.7; F3 = 3.3; F15 = 2.2; F18 = 2.9; F21 = 2; F22 = 2.2; F23 = 2; F24 = 1.6; F25 = 3.5; head 1.2 x wider than high; occipital carina complete; ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance 1.2 x ocellar diameter; eyes large and protuberant, head height 1.4 x eye height; temples length 0.6 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons smooth and polished; eyes parallel or near parallel, maximum face width 1.5 x minimum face width; face strigulate; minimum face width 1.1 x clypeus width; clypeus punctuate; malar space length 0.5 x mandible width basally; mandible strongly twisted.

Mesosoma . Pronotum in lateral view carinate rugulose; propleuron punctulate; notauli not distinct and rugose; mesonotal lobes not well defined; central lobe of mesoscutum finely rugulose; scutellar furrow with six carinae; mesopleuron puncticulate and polished; sternaulus long, narrow and rugose; metapleuron smooth; propodeum rugose; median longitudinal carina on propodeum absent; median depression on propodeum absent.

Legs. Hind coxa strigate; tarsal claw with small lobe.

Wings. Wing length 3.7 mm; vein r 0.7 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.7 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 1.1 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 1.1 x length of 1r-m.

Metasoma. Dorsope absent; ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment; first tergite with costae parallel; short ovipositor, ovipositor 1.4 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. calimai shares with M. uno and M. alejandromasisi the following combination of characters: mandible strongly twisted, notauli not distinct, dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment. M. calimai can be separated from M. alejandromasisi by having eyes more convergent, maximum face width 1.5 x minimum face width, antenna with 25 flagellomeres and clypeus punctate. M. calimai can be separated from M. uno by having eyes more convergent, antenna with 25 flagellomeres, clypeus punctate and hind coxa strigate.

Holotype. 1 female (point mounted), COLOMBIA, Risaralda, SFF Otún Quimbaya Urapanera , 4º44'N 75º35'W, 1960 m, Malaise, 26.ix–11.x.2003, G. López leg., ICN.

Distribution. Colombia, Risaralda Department, Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, an andean wet forest; 1960 m altitude.

Biology. Unknown.

Etymology. The specific name refers to the Calima people, ancient natives who lived in Risaralda region in precolumbian times.

Meteorus caquetensis Aguirre & Shaw sp. nov. ( Figs. 8 , 53 , 72 , 90 , 122 )

Diagnosis. Mandible moderately twisted, occipital carina complete, wings infuscated, propodeum carinate-rugose, hind coxa punctate and smooth, tarsal claw with large lobe; dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment; long ovipositor, ovipositor 3 x longer than first tergite.

Body color. Body black except antennae dark brown, eyes orange posteriorly, clypeus yellow; prothoracic legs with coxa, trochanter, trochantellus and femur yellow; mesothoracic legs with coxa, trochanter and middle part of femur yellow; metathoracic legs with coxa and middle part of femur yellow; metasoma with T2–T3 dark brown, lateral terga yellow and sterna brown; wings dark or infuscated.

Body length. 5 mm.

Head. Antenna with 25 flagellomeres; flagellar length/width ratios as follows: F1 = 3.7; F2 = 3.3; F3 = 2.7; F17 = 1.7; F18 = 1.9; F21 = 1.8; F22 = 1.7; F23 = 1.7; F24 = 1.8; F25 = 1.8; head 1.1 x wider than high; occipital carina complete; ocelli small, ocelli ocular distance 1.9 x ocellar diameter; eyes large and protuberant, head height 1.5 x eye height; temples length 0.5 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons smooth and polished; eyes parallel or near parallel; maximum face width 1.5 x minimum face width; face punctuate; minimum face width 0.7 x clypeus width; clypeus smooth and polished; malar space length 0.3 x mandible width basally; mandible moderately twisted.

Mesosoma . Pronotum in lateral view carinate foveate; propleuron smooth-rugulose; notauli distinct and foveate; mesonotal lobes well defined; central lobe of mesoscutum smooth; scutellar furrow with three carinae; mesopleuron puncticulate and polished; sternaulus long, narrow and foveate; metapleuron punticulate rugulose; propodeum carinate rugose; median longitudinal carina on propodeum absent; median depression on propodeum absent.

Legs. Hind coxa punctuate-polished; tarsal claw with large lobe.

Wings. Wing length 5 mm; vein r 0.6 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa = length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 0.9 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 0.7 x length of 1r-m.

Metasoma. Dorsope absent; ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment; first tergite with costae convergent; long ovipositor, ovipositor 3 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. caquetensis shares with M. guineverae the following characters: mandible moderately twisted, occipital carina complete, propodeum carinate-rugose, tarsal claw with large lobe and long ovipositor, which is almost 3x the length of its first tergite. M. caquetensis can be separated from M. guineverae by ocelli smaller, ocelli ocular distance 1.9 x ocellar diameter, wings infuscated, dorsope absent and ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment.

Holotype. 1 female (point mounted), COLOMBIA, Caquetá, Mun. San José del Fragua Vda. La Esmeralda , 1º20'N 76º6'W, 1070 m, Malaise, 3–8.ix.2000, E. González leg., ICN.

Distribution. Colombia, Caquetá Department; 1070 m altitude.

Biology. Unknown.

Etymology. The specific name refers to Caquetá department.

Meteorus cecavorum Aguirre & Shaw sp. nov. ( Figs. 54 , 73 , 91 , 107 , 123 )

Diagnosis. Mandible strongly twisted; occipital carina complete; wings hyaline; propodeum carinate-rugose; hind coxa strigate; tarsal claw simple; dorsopes absent; ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment; short ovipositor.

Body color. Body dark brown except clypeus testaceous; pro and mesothoracic legs yellow; metathoracic legs yellow except coxa dark brown apically; metasoma with sterna yellow; wings hyaline.

Body length. 4.4 mm.

Head. Antenna with 30 flagellomeres; flagellar length/width ratios as follows: F1 = 3; F2 = 3.7; F3 = 3.2; F18 = 2.3; F21 = 2.2; F22 = 2.1; F23 = 2.2; F24 = 2.8; F25 = 2.6; F26 = 2.4; F27 = 2.3; F28 = 2.4; F29 = 3.3; head 1.2 x wider than high; occipital carina complete; ocelli ocular distance 1.6 x ocellar diameter; eyes protuberant; head height 1.5 x eye height; temples length 0.6 x eyes length in dorsal view; vertex in dorsal view descending vertically behind laterally ocelli; frons rugulose; eyes parallel or near parallel, maximum face width 1.1 x minimum face width; face strigulate; minimum face width 1.3 x clypeus width; clypeus finely rugulose; malar space length 0.8 x mandible width basally; mandible strongly twisted.

Mesosoma . Pronotum in lateral view carinate; propleuron rugulose; notauli not distinct and rugose; mesonotal lobes not well defined; central lobe of mesoscutum densely punctuate; scutellar furrow with three carinae; mesopleuron puncticulate and polished; sternaulus short, narrow and rugose; metapleuron finely rugulose; propodeum carinate-rugose; median longitudinal carina on propodeum present; median depression on propodeum weakly present.

Legs. Hind coxa strigate; tarsal claw simple.

Wings. Wing length 4 mm; vein r 0.6 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.9 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 1.2 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 1.2 x length of 1r-m.

Metasoma. Dorsope absent; ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment; first tergite with costae parallel; short ovipositor, ovipositor 2.2 x longer than first tergite.

Female variation. Body length 4.2–4.5 mm; antenna with 29–31 flagellomeres; ocelli ocular distance 1.2–1.6 x ocellar diameter; head height 1.5–1.6 x eye height; temples length 0.6–0.7 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons rugulose or smooth and polished; minimum face width 1.2–1.5 x clypeus width; malar space length 0.8–1.2 x mandible width basally; central lobe of mesoscutum densely punctate or coarsely rugulose; scutellar furrow with three or four carinae; median depression weakly present or absent; vein r 0.5–0.6 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.8–0.9 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal, postfurcal or intersticial; vein 1M 1.2–1.4 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 1.1–1.3 x length of 1r-m; first tergite with costae parallel or with costae convergent; ovipositor 1.9–2.2 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. cecavorum shares with M. rugonasus , M. oviedoi and M. rogerblancoi the following combination of characters: mandible strongly twisted, occipital carina complete, notauli not distinct, dorsopes absent and short ovipositor. M. cecavorum can be separated from these species its simple tarsal claw.

Holotype. 1 female (point mounted), COLOMBIA, Magdalena, PNN Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, San Lorenzo , 10º48'N 73º39'W, 2200 m, Malaise, 30.ix–17.x.2000, J. Cantillo leg., ICN.

Paratypes. 2 females, Magdalena, PNN Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, San Lorenzo , 10º48'N 73º39'W, 2200 m, Malaise , 30.ix–17.x.2000, J. Cantillo leg., ICN ; same data as before except the following information : 1 female, 14–31.iii.2001; 1 female, 1700 m, 2–13.vii.2001.

Distribution. Colombia, Magdalena Department, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park, at the subandean and andean wet forests, 1700–2200 m altitude.

Biology. Unknown.

Etymology. The specific name refers to Jessica Cecava and her family, great people and friends.

Meteorus chingazensis Aguirre & Shaw sp. nov. ( Figs. 55 , 74 , 92 , 108 , 124 )

Diagnosis. Mandible strongly twisted, ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance 1–1.5 x ocellar diameter, occipital carina complete, notauli distinct, wings hyaline, propodeum carinate-rugose with distinctive median carina, hind coxa strigate, tarsal claw with large lobe, dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite separated basally and joined apically, short and curved ovipositor, ovipositor 1.4–1.9 x longer than first tergite.

Body color. Body testaceous except antennae dark brown; head with face and genae light brown, clypeus yellow, frons, temples and vertex dark brown; pronotum light brown dorsally; middle part of each mesonotal lobe dark brown; mesopleuron dark brown ventrally; metanotum and propodeum dark brown basally; metathoracic legs dark brown dorsally; metasoma with first tergite dark brown apically, T2 dark brown around spiracles, T3 dark brown laterally; wings hyaline.

Body length. 5.5 mm.

Head. Antenna with 30 flagellomeres; flagellar length/width ratios as follows: F1 = 3.9; F2 = 3.4; F3 = 3.2; F18 = 3; F21 = 2.4; F22 = 2.8; F23 = 2.4; F24 = 2.4; F25 = 2.1; F26 = 2.3; F27 = 2.4; F28 = 2.4; F29 = 2.4; F30 = 3.2; head 1.1 x wider than high; occipital carina complete; ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance 1.5 x ocellar diameter; eyes large and protuberant, head height 1.5 x eye height; temples length 0.7 x eyes length in dorsal view; vertex in dorsal view descending vertically behind laterally ocelli; frons smooth; eyes parallel or near parallel, maximum face width 1.2 x minimum face width; face rugulose; minimum face width 1.1 x clypeus width; clypeus finely rugulose; malar space length 1.2 x mandible width basally; mandible strongly twisted.

Mesosoma . Pronotum in lateral view carinate rugulose; propleuron smooth and polished; notauli distinct and foveate rugose; mesonotal lobes well defined; central lobe of mesoscutum finely rugulose; scutellar furrow with two carinae; mesopleuron smooth and polished; sternaulus short, narrow and foveolate; metapleuron finely rugulose; propodeum rugose-foveate, carinate with distinct median carina; median longitudinal carina on propodeum present; median depression on propodeum absent; propodeum with distinctive erect hairs.

Legs. Hind coxa strigate; tarsal claw with large lobe.

Wings. Wing length 6 mm; vein r 0.6 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.9 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 1.2 x length of cu-a; vein 1M = length of 1r-m.

Metasoma. Dorsope absent; ventral borders of first tergite separated basally, joined apically; first tergite smooth and faint costae; short ovipositor and curved, ovipositor 1.4 x longer than first tergite.

Male variation. Body brown except coxa, trochanter, trochantellus and femur of pro and mesothoracic legs testaceous.

Comments. M. chingazensis shares with M. dixi the following combination of characters: mandible strongly twisted, parallel eyes, occipital carina complete, notauli distinct, tarsal claw with large lobe, dorsopes absent, ventral borders of first tergite separated basally and joined apically. M. chingazensis can be separated from M. dixi by ocelli large, hind coxa strigate, propodeum with distinctive erect hairs, and short, curved ovipositor.

Holotype. 1 female (point mounted), COLOMBIA, Cundinamarca, PNN Chingaza Alto de la Bandera , 4º31'N 73º45'W, 3660 m, Malaise, 13.26. x.2000, I. Sinisterra leg., ICN.

Paratypes. 3 males, same data as holotype. Deposited at ICN .

Distribution. Colombia, Cundinamarca Department, Chingaza National Natural Park, this is a paramo ecosystem, 3660 m altitude.

Biology. Unknown.

Etymology. Specific name refers to the type-locality, Chingaza National Natural Park.

Meteorus corniculatus Zitani, 1998 ( Figs. 13 , 125 ) Meteorus corniculatus Zitani, 1998: 190 , 195–196.

Diagnosis. Mandible not twisted; ocelli small, ocelli ocular distance 2.3 x ocellar diameter; occipital carina complete; wings hyaline or slightly pigmented; scutellar disc coarsely rugose and raised in sharp point; propodeum carinate-rugose o aerolate-rugose; hind coxa punctate and smooth; tarsal claw simple; dorsopes absent; ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment; short ovipositor, ovipositor 2–2.2 x longer than first tergite; mesosoma covered by coarsely and distinctive sculpturation.

Female variation. Body length 4.5–5.6 mm; head height 1.6 x eye height; temples length 0.5–0.6 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons smooth and polished; face smooth and polished or finely rugulose; minimum face width 0.8– 0.9 x clypeus width; malar space length 0.5 x mandible width basally; pronotum in lateral view carinate rugose; propleuron smooth and polished; central lobe of mesoscutum smooth and polished; mesopleuron rugose puncticulate; metapleuron rugose; propodeum carinate rugose; median carina on propodeum present or absent; wing length 3.6–4.4 mm; first tergite rugulose-costate or smooth and faint costae; ovipositor 2 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. corniculatus can be separated from all other Meteorus species by having the mandible not twisted, ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment and coarsely rugose scutellar disc raised in a distinctive sharp point.

Material examined: Holotype female examined, UWIM. 1 female, COLOMBIA, Huila, PNN Cueva de Los Guácharos Cabaña Cedros, 1º37'N 76º6'W, 2100 m, Malaise, 21.xii.2001 – 5.i.2002, C. Cortés leg.; 1 female, Valle del Cauca, PNN Farallones de Cali Anchicaya , 3º26'N 76º48'W, 650 m, Malaise, 31.vii–14.viii.2001, S. Sarria leg.; 1 female, Risaralda, SFF Otún Quimbaya Robledal, 4º44'N 75º35'W, 1980 m, Malaise, 4–19.iv.2003, G. López leg.. All specimens are deposited at ICN.

Distribution. In Costa Rica M. corniculatus is known from Puntarenas, Guanacaste, and San Jose Provinces ( Zitani et al. 1998). In Colombia this species is found at Risaralda Department, Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, an andean wet forest, 1980 m elevation; it is also found in the Huila Department, Cueva de los Guacharos National Natural Park, a high andean wet forest, 2100 m elevation, and in the Valle del Cauca Department, Farallones de Cali National Natural Park, a subandean wet forest, 650 m elevation.

Biology. Unknown.

Meteorus desmiae Zitani, 1998

( Figs. 18 , 121 )

Meteorus desmiae Zitani, 1998: 196–197 .

Diagnosis. Mandible strongly twisted; ocelli large, ocelli ocular distance 0.5–0.9 x ocellar diameter; occipital carina complete; wings hyaline; propodeum rugose or aerolate-rugose; hind coxa punctate and smooth or strigatepunctate; tarsal claw with large lobe; dorsopes absent; ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment.

Female variation. Body length 4.7–6 mm; antenna with 30–31 flagellomeres; ocelli ocular distance 0.5–0.9 x ocellar diameter; head height 1.3–1.4 x eye height; temples length 0.4 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons smooth and polished; maximum face width 1.4–1.6 x minimum face width; face puncticulate rugulose or finely rugulose; malar space length 0.2–0.5 x mandible width basally; pronotum in lateral view carinate rugose; propleuron rugulose; central lobe of mesoscutum densely punctate; scutellar furrow with three carinae or with five carinae or with six carinae; mesopleuron puncticulate and polished; metapleuron rugose or puncticulate rugose; propodeum aerolate rugose; median carina on propodeum present or absent; wing length 4–4.6 mm; vein r 0.6–0.8 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.8 x length of rm; vein m-cu postfurcal or intersticial; vein 1M 1.3–1.5 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 1.3 x length of 1r-m; first tergite with costae convergent; ovipositor 2.3–2.6 x longer than first tergite.

Male variation. Body length 4–4.9 mm; ocelli smaller than females; ocelli ocular distance 1–1.5 x to ocellar diameter; head height 1.5–1.6 x eye height; temples length 0.5–0.6 x eyes length in dorsal view; eyes smaller than females; eyes less convergent than females; maximum face width 1.1–1.2 x minimum face width; minimum face width 1–1.2 x to clypeus width; malar space length 0.7–1 x mandible width basally; wing length 3.3–3.8 mm; vein r 0.6–1.2 x length of 3Rsa.

Comments. M. desmiae shares with M. arizonensis , M. laphygmae and M. dos the following combination of characters: mandible strongly twisted, occipital carina complete, notauli not distinct, dorsopes absent, and ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment. M. desmiae can be separated from these species by its long ovipositor which is 2.3–2.6 x longer than first tergite.

Material examined: Holotype female examined, UWIM. 1 female, COLOMBIA, Cundinamarca, Zipacón. Sector la Esperanza , 4º41'33.5"N 74º25'51.2"W, 1425 m, Malaise, Guayabal borde carretera, Proyecto Alysiinae , 19.ii.2007; same data as before except the following collectors: 1 male, Z. Garcia leg.; 1 male, O. Dix leg.; 1 male, J. ( Fig. 19 ) Martinez leg.; 1 male, Cundinamarca, Mun. Sasaima , 27.vii.1986, C. Sarmiento leg.; 1 male, Boyacá, Pauna Manote bajo la Rochela, 1280 m, 26.iv.1979, I. de Arevalo leg.; 1 male same data as before; 1 female, Boyacá, Maripí. Sta. Bárbara, 2200 m, 28.iv.1979, I. de Arévalo leg; 1 male, Boyacá, San Luis de Gaceno Vda. Guichirales , 400 m, Jameo, 24.xii.2005, A. Rodriguez leg.; 1 male, Huila, PNN Cueva de Los Guácharos Cabaña Cedros , 1º37'N 76º6'W, 1950 m, Red, 3.xii.2001, D. Campos leg.; 1 male, Santander, Mun. Suaita "Cgto. San José de Suaita, Qda. La Vega", 6º6'N 73º27'W, 1000 m, Malaise, 1–2.x.1998, G. Amat leg.; 1 female, 4 males, Magdalena, Sta. Marta. Minca. Hda. La Victoria. Cafetal , arriba de casa vieja, 11º7'N 74º5'W, Malaise, 16.x.2007, F. Fernández y estudiantes leg. All specimens are deposited at ICN.

Distribution. In Costa Rica M. desmiae is known from Guanacaste Province ( Zitani et al. 1998). In Colombia it is recorded from Cundinamarca Department, 1425 m elevation, Boyacá Department, 400–2200 m elevation, Huila Department, Cueva de los Guácharos National Natural Park, an andean wet forest, 1950 m elevation.; Santander Department, 1000 m elevation, and from the Magdalena Department.

Biology. Hosts in Colombia not yet discovered. M. desmiae is recorded in Costa Rica as parasitizing larvae of the pyralid leaf roller Desmia tages (Cramer) ( Lepidoptera : Crambidae ) which feeds on Haelia patens Jacq. (Rubiaceae) ( Zitani et al. 1998).

Meteorus dimidiatus ( Cresson, 1872) ( Figs. 31 , 127 ) Perilitus dimidiatus Cresson, 1872: 83 Meteorus dimidiatus Cresson, 1887: 228 Meteorus noctivagus Viereck, 1905: 281

Diagnosis. Mandible strongly twisted; occipital carina not complete; wings slightly pigmented; propodeum carinate-rugose or aerolate-rugose; hind coxa punctate and smooth; tarsal claw with small lobe; dorsopes absent; ventral borders of first tergite touching for short distance; ovipositor 2.6–2.8 x longer than first tergite.

Female variation. Head 1.2 x wider than high; ocelli ocular distance 1.5–1.7 x ocellar diameter; head height 1.5 x eye height; temples length 0.5–0.6 x eyes length in dorsal view; frons strigate or smooth and polished; maximum face width 1.3–1.4 x minimum face width; face strigulate; minimum face width = clypeus width; clypeus finely rugulose; malar space length 0.2–0.6 x mandible width basally; pronotum in lateral view rugose or carinate rugose; propleuron smooth and polished or punctulate; central lobe of mesoscutum smooth and polished or densely punctate; scutellar furrow with four or five carinae; mesopleuron smooth and polished; metapleuron puncticulate rugose or puncticulate; propodeum carinate rugose; median carina on propodeum present or absent; wing length 3.4 mm; vein r 0.6–0.7 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.8–0.9 x length of rm; vein 1M 1.6 x length of cu-a; vein 1M 1.4–1.6 x length of 1r-m; ovipositor 2.6–2.8 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. dimidiatus and M. pseudodimidiatus share the following combination of characters: mandible strongly twisted, hind coxa punctate and polished, tarsal claw with small lobe, dorsopes absent and ventral borders of first tergite joined for short distance. M. dimidiatus can be separated from M. pseudodimidiatus by occipital carina not complete, malar space length 0.2–0.6 x mandible width basally, and ovipositor 2.6–2.8 x longer than first tergite.

Material examined: Compared with voucher specimens from Costa Rica in the UWIM collection. 1 female, COLOMBIA, Boyacá, SFF Iguaque, 2800 m, 27.ii.2000, Jama; 1 female, Huila, PNN Cueva de Los Guácharos Cabaña Cedros , 1º37'N 76º6'W, 2100 m, 6–27.iv.2002, J. Fonseca leg., Malaise. Specimens are deposited at ICN .

Distribution. Canada: Alberta ( Graham 1965), British Columbia ( Muesebeck 1958b), Manitoba ( McClure 1943), Nova Scotia, Ontario ( Muesebeck 1923). United States: Arizona ( Cresson 1872), California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsyivania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington ( Muesebeck 1923), Kansas ( Viereck 1905), Minnesota ( Balduf 1969), Missouri ( Riley and Howard 1890), Oregon ( Coop et al. 1989); Argentina, Patagonia ( Shenefelt 1969). In Costa Rica known from Guanacaste, Puntarenas and San Jose Provinces ( Zitani et al. 1998). In Colombia it is recorded from Boyacá Department, Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, a high andean wet forest, 2800 m elevation; Huila Department, Cueva de los Guácharos National Natural Park, high andean wet forest, 2100 m elevation. Biology. There are no records of hosts for this species in Colombia. In the United states there are records of this species as parasitoid of several lepidopterans such as Desmia funeralis Hübner (Crambidae) ( Muesebeck 1923, 1928, Marsh 1979), Argyrotaenia citrana Fernald (Tortricidae) , Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris) (Tortricidae) ( Coop et al. 1989), Dichomeris levisella (Fyles) (Gelechiidae) ( Balduf 1969), Platynota idaeusalis (Walker) (Tortricidae) ( Marsh 1979), Xenotemna pallorana (Robinson) (Tortricidae) ( Muesebeck 1958b, Marsh 1979), Choristoneura conflictana (Walker) (Tortricidae) ( Torgersen & Beckwith 1974), Feltia subgothica (Haworth) (Noctuidae) ( Crumb 1929, Riley & Howard 1890), Platynota flavedana Clemens (Tortricidae) ( Marsh 1979), Platynota stultana Walsingham (Tortricidae) ( Nelson 1936, Muesebeck 1967, Marsh 1979). There are records in Canada of this species as parasitoid of Agrotis orthogonia Morrison (Noctuidae) ( Graham 1965, Strickland 1921, 1923), Euxoa tristicula (Morr.) (Noctuidae) ( Strickland 1923), Ochropleura fennica (Tauscher) (Noctuidae) ( Strickland 1923). Parasitoid of Apamea devastator Brace (Noctuidae) ( Crumb 1929, Strickland 1923), Euxoa auxiliaris Grote (Noctuidae) ( Crumb 1929, Strickland 1923).

Meteorus dixi Aguirre & Shaw sp. nov. ( Figs. 56 , 75 , 93 , 109 , 128 )

Diagnosis. Mandible strongly twisted; ocelli small, ocelli ocular distance 1.7 x ocellar diameter; occipital carina complete; wings hyaline; propodeum carinate-rugulose; hind coxa densely punctate; tarsal claw with large lobe; dorsopes absent; ventral borders of first tergite separated basally, joined apically.

Body color. Body dark brown except genae testaceous; middle part of pronotum testaceous; notauli and scutellar disc testaceous; middle part of mesopleuron testaceous; pro and mesothoracic legs testaceous; metathoracic legs with coxa brown, remaining testaceous; metasoma with T4–T7 and sterna light brown; wings hyaline.

Body length. 4 mm.

Head. Antenna with 30 flagellomeres; flagellar length/width ratios as follows: F1 = 3.7; F2 = 3.7; F3 = 3.3; F18 = 2.1; F21 = 2.4; F22 = 2; F23 = 2.1; F24 = 2.9; F25 = 2.8; F26 = 2.4; F27 = 2.5; F28 = 2; F29 = 2; F30 = 3.7; head 1.1 x wider than high; occipital carina complete; ocelli small, ocelli ocular distance 1.7 x ocellar diameter; eyes protuberant; head height 1.6 x eye height; temples length 0.7 x eyes length in dorsal view; vertex in dorsal view descending vertically behind laterally ocelli; frons rugose; eyes parallel or near parallel, maximum face width 1.1 x minimum face width; face strigate; minimum face width 1.1 x clypeus width; clypeus punctuate; malar space length 0.8 x mandible width basally; mandible strongly twisted.

Mesosoma . Pronotum in lateral view carinate-rugose; propleuron rugulose; notauli distinct and foveolate; mesonotal lobes well defined; central lobe of mesoscutum densely punctuate; scutellar furrow with five carinae; mesopleuron puncticulate and polished; sternaulus long, broad and rugose; metapleuron rugose; propodeum carinate rugulose; median longitudinal carina on propodeum present; median depression on propodeum absent.

Legs. Hind coxa densely punctuate; tarsal claw with large lobe.

Wings. Wing length 4.2 mm; vein r 0.5 x length of 3Rsa; vein 3RSa 0.7 x length of rm; vein m-cu antefurcal; vein 1M 1.3 x length of cu-a; vein 1M = length of 1r-m.

Metasoma. Dorsope absent; ventral borders of first tergite separated basally, joined apically; first tergite with costae convergent; ovipositor 2.5 x longer than first tergite.

Comments. M. dixi shares with M. chingazensis the following combination of characters: mandible strongly twisted, parallel eyes, occipital carina complete, notauli distinct, tarsal claw with large lobe, dorsopes absent, and ventral borders of first tergite separated basally and joined apically. M. dixi can be separated from M. chingazensis by having smaller ocelli, ocelli ocular distance 1.7 x ocellar diameter, convergent eyes, maximum face width 1.1 x minimum face width, hind coxa densely punctate, and a longer, straight ovipositor which is 2.5 x longer than first tergite.

Holotype. 1 female (point mounted) COLOMBIA, Cundinamarca, PNN Chingaza, La Siberia , 4º31'N 73º45'W, 3170 m, Malaise, 3–15.xii.2001, L. Cifuentes leg., ICN.

Distribution. Colombia, Cundinamarca Department, Chingaza National Natural Park, a paramo ecosystem, 3170 m elevation.

Biology. Unknown.

Etymology. The specific name refers to our entomological colleague and friend Oscar Javier Dix Luna.

Figures

FIGURES 115–120. Habitus. 115) M. alejandromasisi, 116) M. andreae sp. nov., 117) M. amazonensis sp. nov., 118) M. antioquensis sp. nov., 119) M. arizonensis, 120) M. boyacensis sp. nov. Scale bar: 2 mm.

FIGURES 15–24. Discrete characters of wings and first tergite. Numbers represent the following species: 15) M. townsendi, 16) M. laphygmae, 17) M. mariamartae, 18) M. desmiae, 19) M. andreae sp. nov., 20) M. rubens, 21) M. oviedoi, 22) M. megalops, 23) M. amazonensis n. sp., 24) M. chingazensis sp. nov. 15) second submarginal cell (top arrow) strongly narrowed anteriorly, 16) second submarginal cell (top arrow) not strongly narrowed anteriorly, 16) vein m-cu intersticial (bottom arrow), 17) vein m-cu antefurcal, 18) vein m-cu postfurcal, 19) ventral borders of first tergite (proximal part of tergite on upper part of picture) widely separated, 20) ventral borders of first tergite touching for short distance, 21) ventral borders of first tergite joined completely along basal ½ of segment, 22) ventral borders of first tergite separated basally, joined apically, 23) dorsopes present, and 24) dorsopes absent.

FIGURES 48–62. Head in dorsal view 48) M. amazonensis sp. nov., 49) M. andreae sp. nov. 50) M. antioquensis sp. nov., 51) M. boyacensis sp. nov., 52) M. calimai sp. nov., 53) M. caquetensis sp. nov., 54) M. cecavorum sp. nov., 55) M. chingazensis sp. nov., 56) M. dixi sp. nov., 57) M. farallonensis sp. nov., 58) M. guacharensis sp. nov., 59) M. guineverae sp. nov., 60) M. huilensis sp. nov., 61) M. iguaquensis sp. nov., 62) M. jerodi sp. nov.

FIGURES 63–74. Head in dorsal view 63–66. Head in anterior view 67–74. 63) M. magdalensis sp. nov., 64) M. muiscai sp. nov., 65) M. quimbayensis sp. nov., 66) M. santanderensis sp. nov., 67) M. amazonensis sp. nov., 68) M. andreae sp. nov., 69) M. antioquensis sp. nov., 70) M. farallonensis sp. nov., 71) M. calimai sp. nov., 72) M. caquetensis sp. nov., 73) M. cecavorum sp. nov., 74) M. chingazensis sp. nov.

FIGURES 86–97. Head in lateral view. 86) M. amazonensis sp. nov., 87) M. andreae sp. nov., 88) M. antioquensis sp. nov., 89) M. boyacensis sp. nov., 90) M. caquetensis sp. nov., 91) M. cecavorum sp. nov., 92) M. chingazensis sp. nov., 93) M. dixi sp. nov., 94) M. farallonensis sp. nov., 95) M. guacharensis sp. nov., 96) M. guineverae sp. nov., 97) M. huilensis sp. nov.

FIGURES 104–114. Propodeum. 104) M. andreae sp. nov., 105) M. antioquensis sp. nov., 106) M. calimai sp. nov., 107) M. cecavorum sp. nov., 108) M. chingazensis sp. nov., 109) M. dixi sp. nov., 110) M. iguaquensis sp. nov., 111) M. magdalensis sp. nov., 112) M. muiscai sp. nov., 113) M. quimbayensis sp. nov., 114) M. santanderensis sp. nov.

FIGURES 121–126. Habitus. 121) M. desmiae sp. nov., 122) M. caquetensis sp. nov., 123) M. cecavorum sp. nov., 124) M. chingazensis sp. nov., 125) M. corniculatus, 126) M. calimai. Scale bar: 2 mm.

FIGURES 7–14. Mesosoma and metasoma characters. Numbers represent the following species: 7 and 14) M. townsendi, 8) M. caquetensis sp. nov., 9) M. huilensis sp. nov., 10) M. oviedoi, 11) M. uno, 12) M. megalops, 13) M. corniculatus, 7) median depression on propodeum present (arrow), 8) median depression on propodeum absent, 9) notauli distinct and mesonotal lobes well defined, 10) notauli not distinct and mesonotal lobes not well defined, 11) sternaulus long, narrow and foveolate, 12) sternaulus short, narrow and foveolate, 13) sternaulus long, wide and rugose, 14) ftl: first tergite length; ol: ovipositor length.

FIGURES 25–32. Discrete characters of head, mandibles and tarsal claw. Numbers represent the following species 25) M. jerodi sp. nov., 26) M. chingazensis sp. nov., 27, 32) M. megalops, 28) M. rubens, 29, 30) M. laphygmae, 31) M. dimidiatus. 25) occipital carina not complete, 26) occipital carina complete, 27) mandibles not twisted, 28) mandibles moderately twisted (the lower tooth is seen behind but it is clearly visible in frontal view), 29) mandibles strongly twisted (the lower tooth is almost invisible in frontal view), 30) tarsal claw with large lobe, 31) tarsal claw with small lobe, 32) tarsal claw simple.

FIGURES 127–132. Habitus. 127) M. dimidiatus, 128) M. dixi sp. nov., 129) M. dos, 130) M. farallonensis sp. nov., 131) M. guacharensis sp. nov., 132) M. guineverae sp. nov. Scale bar: 2 mm.

FIGURES 75–85. Head in anterior view. 75) M. dixi sp. nov., 76) M. farallonensis sp. nov., 77) M. guacharensis sp. nov., 78) M. guineverae sp. nov., 79) M. huilensis sp. nov., 80) M. iguaquensis sp. nov., 81) M. jerodi sp. nov., 82) M. magdalensis sp. nov., 83) M. muiscai sp. nov., 84) M. quimbayensis sp. nov., 85) M. santanderensis sp. nov.