As with the following new genus, Paramomirax shares with other Miracinae the antenna with flagellomeres fixed at 12, the proximal 1–3 of which have no placodes, the more distal ones possessing one rank of placodes, ancestral maxillary palpal segments 5 and 6 fused to reduce the number of segments to four, the characteristic reductions in wing venation (Figs 2C, 3E) and the medium-length ovipositor and sheaths and a sharp but evenly sclerotized hypopygium (Figs 2A, 3A, B), as well as the characteristics shared with other microgastroids (Mason 1981; Whitfield and Mason 1994) – the separation of the first metasomal spiracle in the lateral membrane or on a more or less well-defined laterotergite rather than laterally on the medial tergite. In Miracinae this membranous lateral area is usually at least partly strongly striate (Figs 1A–C, 2E, 3H). The possession of bracoviruses, and some modifications of the ovarioles to accommodate them (Whitfield and Mason 1994), are presumably also shared but not usually observable in preserved specimens.

The form of the anterior metasomal segments (desclerotization patterns, Y-shaped skeleton of remaining sclerotized tergites (Fig. 1A–C) typical for previously known Miracinae (as outlined by Mason (1981) and Whitfield and Mason (1994) and numerous descriptive papers by many authors) is profoundly different in Paramomirax, although in a different manner than in Fusimirax. In Paramomirax, tergites 2 and 3 are extensively although weakly sclerotized and externally smooth, with only the lateral portions of the first tergum strongly desclerotized, rather than mostly desclerotized (as in most Miracinae) with a transverse to broadly C-shaped narrow plate anterior to a desclerotized medial area covering (sometimes) the posterocentral area of T2 and (almost always) the anterocentral portion of T3 (Figs 2A, D, 3F, G). The outlines of the Y-shaped skeleton of tergites is vaguely suggested by darker areas in the cuticle, but these tergites are not clearly outlined (see Fig. 3F). The propodeum has a percurrent longitudinal medial carina (i. e., extending posteriorly beyond the transverse carina, unlike at least most Centistidea) and an angular transverse carina just past its midlength, often with some rugosity as well, but not always in the same areas. The ovipositor and sheaths are relatively long, roughly the length of the hind tibiae (again, unusual for Miracinae). The notauli are weakly indicated at best, and only anteriorly (Figs 2E, 3H).

The genus name makes reference to the high altitude paramo habitat of the type species, Paramomirax peckorum sp. nov., described below.

Holotype. • Female, Colombia: Quindio, 21 km E. Calarca, 6-III-1974, 10,000’, S. & J. Peck, CNC5342830. Deposited in Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, Ottawa (CNC).

Paratype. • 1 female, same data as holotype, CNC5342831. Deposited in CNC.

Size. Body length (excluding ovipositor) 2.3 mm; fore wing length 2.7 mm.

Coloration. Head and mesosoma black except lighter brownish lower genae; antenna black at extreme base (especially scape), pedicel distally and flagellum brown; mandibles and palpi pale brown to golden; legs proximally mostly dark brown, lightening distally on femora and most of tibiae, darker brown tarsi; pigmented parts of wing venation dark brown; metasoma fairly evenly deep brown dorsally, slightly lighter ventrally; ovipositor sheaths deep brown.

Morphology. Face indistinctly punctate, smooth medially; antennae slightly shorter than body, flagellomeres 8–11 only 1.2–1.3 × longer than wide; pronotum laterally with sharp but weakly impressed upper and lower grooves; mesoscutum shiny, very indistinctly punctate, with notauli very weakly indicated on extreme anterior face; scutellum convex, weakly punctate, slightly longer than anteriorly wide, subtriangular but with curved scrobe separating it from mesoscutum; mesopleuron mostly convex and shiny, without any clear central grooves; metanotum mostly sunken relative to shiny raised medial boss; propodeum weakly sculptured, with percurrent longitudinal medial carina, crossed by angular transverse carina at just past midlength; anterior tergite 1 (T1) narrow anteriorly, expanding into elongate oval posterior 0.75; laterotergal region of T1 pigmented light brownish but sclerotized and strongly striate; T2 and T3 shiny, smooth and evenly sclerotized; typical miracine Y-shaped structure visible only as slightly differently colored areas hidden beneath cuticle; laterotergal regions of T2 and T3 evenly sclerotized as on dorsal parts.

T4 evenly sclerotized and shiny, similar to T2+3; hypopygium evenly sclerotized, darker distally, somewhat acuminate but with blunt tip; ovipositor nearly straight, sheaths as long as hind tibiae and setose over entire distal 0.75.

Male. Not known.

Variation. Only two very similar females from the same locality are known.

Only one locality so far, in paramo vegetation over 3,000 m.

Not known, but host presumed to be a small leaf-mining caterpillar as with other Miracinae.

This species has by far the fewest desclerotized regions of the anterior metasoma, and the longest ovipositor, of any miracine yet discovered. It is also one of the largest (roughly 10–20% larger than average).

The specific epithet is meant to honor the collectors, Stewart and Jarmila Kukalova-Peck.

As with the above new genus, Fusimirax shares with other Miracinae the antenna with flagellomeres fixed at 12, maxillary palpal ancestral segments 5 and 6 fused to reduce the number of segments to four, the characteristic reductions in wing venation (Figs 4C, 5D, 6C, 7C) and the medium-length ovipositor and sheaths and a sharp but evenly sclerotized hypopygium (Figs 4F, 5A, 6A), as well as the characteristics shared with other microgastroids (Whitfield and Mason 1994)) – the separation of the first metasomal spiracle in the lateral membrane or on a more or less well-defined laterotergite rather than laterally on the medial tergite. In Miracinae this membranous lateral area is usually at least partly strongly striate, and this is the case with Fusimirax. The possession of bracoviruses, and some modifications of the ovarioles to accommodate them (Whitfield and Mason 1994), are presumably also shared but not usually observable in preserved specimens.

The form of the anterior metasomal segments (desclerotization patterns, Y-shaped skeleton of remaining sclerotized tergites (Fig. 1A–C) typical for previously known Miracinae (as outlined by Whitfield and Mason (1994) and numerous descriptive paper by many authors) is profoundly different in Fusimirax also, although in a different manner than in Paramomirax. In Fusimirax, tergites 2 and 3 are fused into a sclerotized and coarsely sculptured syntergite as in some Microgastrinae, rather than a transverse to broadly c-shaped narrow plate anterior to a desclerotized medial area covering (sometimes) the posterocentral area of T2 and (almost always) anterocentral portion of T3. The boundary between T2 and T3 is usually indicated at least laterally by a weak groove that often disappears medially. The propodeum has a percurrent medial carina (i. e., extending posteriorly beyond the transverse carina, unlike at least most Centistidea) and an angular transverse carina just past its midlength, often with some rugosity as well, but not always in the same areas. In a few specimens the medial carina splits at some point to form a small narrow areola-like area within it. The ovipositor and sheaths are relatively short, half the length of the hind tibiae at most. The notauli are distinct but only extend over about the anterior third of the mesoscutum.

The genus name makes reference to the fusion of T2 and T3 into an obvious syntergite.

Holotype. • Female, Dominican Republic: Barahona Sra. Bahoruco, Loma Remigio, 800 m, cloud forest III-1991, L. Masner, CNC5342832 (CNC).

Paratypes. None.

Size. Body length 2.0 mm; fore wing length 2.2 mm.

Coloration. Head dorsally bark brown, shading to much lighter ventrally; especially clypeus; mouthparts and palpi pale yellowish; scape and pedicel yellowish, remainder of antenna brown; mesosoma anteriorly (pronotum and propleuron, dorsal portion of mesopleuron, tegulae and mesoscutum) light yellow-brown, remainder darker brown; legs all pale yellowish; pigmented portions of wing venation pale brownish, including pterostigma; metasoma anteriorly with whitish laterotergites and lateral edges of T2/T3 syntergite; T1 and most of syntergite dark brown; T4 and succeeding terga paler brown; ovipositor sheaths darker brown, especially distally.

Morphology. Face very weakly and indistinctly punctate throughout; raised medially; antennae slightly longer than body, slender, with even distal flagellomeres at least twice as long as broad; propleuron with dorsal groove weakly crenulate, ventral groove broad, arcuate and smooth; mesoscutum weakly sculptured, with clear notauli over anterior 0.4 of its length (Fig. 4D, H); scutellum smooth, weakly convex, longer than broad, roughly thimble-shaped; mesopleuron polished, convex, without central grooves; metanotum deeply sunken except raised medial boss; propodeum relatively smooth, with strong percurrent longitudinal medial carina and hints of an angled transverse carinae just past midlength; T1 slender, narrow anteriorly, expanding to rounded tip, with raised medial portion; laterotergal region of T1 white, desclerotized, with central striate region; T2 and T3 fused into elongate sculptured syntergite, strongly expanded at T2/T3 border, sculptured region of T3 slightly broader than T2; laterotergal regions of T2 and T3 white (along with edges of syntergite), with some of surface striate; T4 weakly but evenly sclerotized, translucent; hypopygium evenly sclerotized and strongly triangular, with acute sharp distal tip; ovipositor nearly straight, sheaths half as long as hind tibiae and sparsely setose over expanded portions (Fig. 4F).

Male. Not known.

Variation. Only one female specimen available.

So far, only one locality at 800 m in the Dominican Republic. The label says “cloud forest”, but this seems probably not quite accurate based on the locality and elevation.

Not known, but host presumed to be a small leaf-mining caterpillar as with other Miracinae.

The strikingly colored mesoscutum and metasoma combination is unique.

The specific epithet honors the great hymenopterist Lubomir Masner, the collector who sampled in the Dominican Republic over multiple years.

Holotype. • Female, Dominican Republic: Barahona Sra. Bahoruco, Loma Remigio, 800 m, cloud forest III-1991, L. Masner, CNC5342833 (CNC).

Paratypes. None.

Size. Body length 1.9 mm; fore wing length 2.1 mm.

Coloration. Head, mesosoma (except lighter brown pronotum and propleuron) and metasomal syntergite dark brown to blackish, posterior segments of metasoma lighter brown; scape light yellow-brown; remainder of antenna dark brown; mandible light brown, palpi pale yellowish; legs entirely light yellow-brown; tegulae and pigmented parts of wing venation including pterostigma light brownish; laterotergites of T1 and T2 almost white, contrasting with dark syntergite; ovipositor sheaths deep brown.

Morphology. Face smooth, with raised medial ridge; antennae slightly longer than body, with apical flagellomeres roughly twice as long as broad; propleuron with dorsal and ventral grooves represented by very fine and poorly impressed lines; mesoscutum with satiny reflections and distinctly punctate over most of surface except posterolateral corners; notauli indistinct, even anteriorly; scutellum polished and raised centrally, weakly convex, clearly longer than anteriorly broad; mesopleuron weakly roughened, convex, with slight weak depression centrally but no obvious grooves; metanotum mostly sunken, with some abortive cross-ridges but raised medial boss not extending to anterior edge; propodeum finely sculptured, with percurrent longitudinal medial carina splitting at midlength to produce a small elongate areola-like structure, met laterally by angled transverse carinae; T1 narrow anteriorly, widening to elongate-oval raised broader posterior end with some sculpturing; laterotergal region of T1 whitish, with central area of striation; T2 and T3 fused into elongate sculptured syntergite; T2 portion bell-shaped (wider posteriorly) with lateral flanges at grooved T2/T3 junction; T3 roughly parallel-sided; laterotergal regions of T2 and T3 whitish, with some striations; T4 less strongly sclerotized and smooth; hypopygium evenly sclerotized and subtriangular with sharp tip; ovipositor nearly straight; sheaths roughly half as long as hind tibiae with setae over distal half.

Male. Unknown.

Variation. Only one female known.

Same locality as F. masneri (see remarks there).

Not known, but host presumed to be a small leaf-mining caterpillar as with other Miracinae.

The shape of the syntergite is diagnostic, and the propodeal carinae are unique as well.

The epithet “robusta” refers to the anterior metasomal syntergite shape, not to the overall body shape, which is perhaps only slightly more robust than the other species.

Holotype. • Female, Dominican Republic: Rancho Arriba, 26-III-1978, 400 m, L. Masner, CNC5342834 (CNC).

Paratypes. • 3 males, Dominican Republic: Baharona, 4 km N. Paraiso, 150 m, 22-III-91, L. Masner, CNC5342835, CNC5342836, CNC5342837; • 2 males, Dominican Republic: Colonia, Cord. Central, 1000 m, 25-III-1978, L. Masner (LM), CNC5342838, CNC5342839. All deposited in CNC.

Size. Body length 1.6 mm; fore wing length 1.7 mm.

Coloration. Head, mesosoma (except lighter brown propleuron) and metasomal syntergite dark brown, T1 light yellowish and posterior segments of metasoma lighter brown; mandibles and palpi pale yellowish; scape pedicel and proximal two flagellomeres pale yellow-brown, remaining flagellomeres shading gradually to very slightly darker brown at distal end of antenna; legs entirely pale yellow-brown; tegulae and pigmented portions of wing venation (including pterostigma) very pale yellow-brown; laterotergites of T1 and T2 whitish; entire venter of metasoma very pale except slightly darker anterior half of hypopygium; ovipositor sheaths pale yellow-brown.

Morphology. Face rather smooth, convex to a weak ridge medially; antennae slightly shorter than body, slender, with apical flagellomeres about 2 × as long as broad; propleuron with smooth dorsal and ventral grooves joined together posteriorly by another smooth groove; mesoscutum with satiny reflections and sparsely but distinctly punctate except smoother posterior margin; notauli poorly defined but extending over anterior half; scutellum smooth, nearly flat and longer than broad; mesopleuron very faintly sculptured, with poorly-defined groove/depression centrally; metanotum mostly deeply sunken, with abortive cross-carinae and medial boss raised only over posterior half; propodeum weakly sculptured, with percurrent longitudinal medial carina crossed by distinct angled transverse carinae just past midlength; T1 very narrow and elongate, abruptly broadening at posterior end to meet T2; laterotergal region of T1 strongly whitish, with central striation; T2 and T3 fused to form longitudinally sculptured elongate syntergite which broadens gradually to T2/T3 flared and weakly grooved junction, parallel-sided over T3; laterotergal regions of T2 and T3 whitish, with some regions of striation; T4 evenly sclerotized but weakly pigmented and translucent; hypopygium evenly sclerotized to fairly sharp tip; ovipositor nearly straight; sheaths less than half as long as hind tibiae with setae over distal half.

Male (Fig. 7A–F). This is the only species of Fusimirax for which there are males known (five specimens). These tend to be significantly more lightly colored over much of the body, sometimes with relatively broader syntergites (lower elevation specimens). T4 is also medially partially desclerotized, only in males.

Variation. As described above for males.

So far known only from Dominican Republic, but extending from 150 m to 1000 m elevation, thus overlapping elevationally with the other species of this genus.

Not known, but host presumed to be a small leaf-mining caterpillar as with other Miracinae.

Based on available material, this may be the most common Fusimirax, but we have so few overall that it would be difficult to extrapolate much.

The specific epithet “gracilis” refers to the small and delicate body of these wasps, especially pronounced in this species but true to some extent for most Miracinae.