Glossa elongate and bilobate (Figs 4, 10, 16, 22, 28, 34, 40, 46, 70, 76, 82, 101, 107, 118, 130, 149). Lateral face of scutellum with polished area (=lunules) occupying most of the lateral face (Figs 12, 18, 24, 32, 36, 42, 62, 66, 72, 78, 84, 110, 114, 120, 126, 138, 147, 151). Propodeum clearly sculptured and usually with some carination (Figs 12, 18, 36, 42, 66, 90, 99, 114, 120, 132, 133, 157). Metacoxa very long, 0.8–1.0 × metafemur length and 0.6–0.8 × metatibia length (Figs 7, 15, 38, 45, 51, 57, 63, 74, 87, 106, 117, 129, 135, 146, 148, 154). Mediotergite 1 parallel-sided (Figs 8, 13, 19, 32, 60, 140) to slightly narrowing towards posterior margin (Figs 38, 44, 55, 67, 73, 85, 91, 105, 127, 132, 147). Mediotergite 2 transverse, its width at posterior margin 3.0–4.5 × (rarely 2.0 ×) its length medially. Ovipositor very long for a microgastrine wasp (approximately two times longer than metatibia length), strongly curved and with its apex sinuate (Figs 1, 5, 14, 15, 20, 26, 30, 37, 43, 50, 51, 56, 61, 63, 68, 69, 74, 86, 87, 92, 98, 104, 108, 116, 121, 123, 128, 139, 140, 144, 148, 154, 159). Fore wing usually with a small areolet, which is sometimes poorly defined (Figs 3, 17, 23, 29, 35, 47, 59, 65, 71, 77, 83, 89, 95, 108, 113, 119, 131, 137, 156); but some small species have no trace of areolet whatsoever (Figs 41, 102, 125, 150). Body and fore wing lengths ranging from 1.8–2.0 mm in the smallest species up to 4.9–5.3 mm in the largest species. Body length varying from slightly longer to slightly shorter than fore wing length.

Promicrogaster is a very distinctive genus as defined by the combination of elongate and bilobate glossa, large polished areas on lateral face of scutellum, and ovipositor shape and length. Within Microgastrinae, it can only be confused with Sendaphne, but the later has a much less transverse mediotergite 2, the apex of ovipositor is not sinuate, the propodeum is entirely or mostly smooth, and the first discal cell is much wider (e.g., Fernandez-Triana et al. 2014d).

We consider the described ‘Promicrogaster’ from India as incertae sedis (see below for a detailed discussion on that species). Thus, Promicrogaster as defined here is restricted to the New World, with the vast majority of the species found in the Neotropics and a few extending north to the Nearctic (Mason 1981, and unpublished data from the CNC collection). This pattern of distribution is remarkably similar to that found in other genera recently revised in the New World, such as Pseudapanteles and Venanus (Fernandez-Triana et al. 2013, 2014b, 2014c). A total of 21 new species are described below, increasing the total known Mesoamerican species from 4 to 25, and the total number of described species for the genus from 11 to 32 (Table 1). We are aware of many additional undescribed species in collections, from North America (Canada/US) and South America, which will be dealt with in future papers.

As for habitat preference, 82% of the ACG species were collected in rain forests and cloud forests (with almost 60% restricted to cloud forests), while only 18% were found in dry forests. Around 40% of the species were found at low-mid elevation (0-500 m) whereas almost 60% of the species were collected at altitudes over 1,000 m. This strongly contrasts with the closely related genus Sendaphne, which has been mostly found at altitudes between 100–900 m with just a few species found in cloud forests (Fernandez-Triana et al. 2014d).

All of the verified and authenticated host records for Promicrogaster are from caterpillars living more deeply inside more or less woody plant material than simply in rolled leaf structures. It is possible that the sinuate ovipositor tip in all known species of Promicrogaster is an adaptation allowing the ovipositor to be steered through fissures in harder/more woody structures than mere leaf rolls (e.g., Quicke 2015).

Muesebeck (1958) described Promicrogaster polyporicola as reared from unidentified Lepidoptera larvae infesting a bracket fungus (Fomes sp.) in Panama. Davis (1996) reared an unidentified species of Promicrogaster from caterpillars of Prosetomorpha falcata (Tineidae) in Colombia; the larvae of this small moth are scavengers feeding on frass within the burrows made by larval Curculionidae in the stems of Solanum quitoensis (Solanaceae: ‘Naranjilla’). Garcia and Montilla (2010) reared Promicrogaster as a parasitoid of cocoa fruit borers, Carmenta spp. (Sessidae) in Venezuela; Carmenta larvae mine through the pericarp of cocoa (Malvaceae: Theobroma cacao) fruit, and their damage leads to secondary phytopathogenic fungal infections (such as Phytophthora sp.) that cause the fruit to rot (e.g., Morrilo et al. 2009). The 21 species of Promicrogaster found in ACG have only been collected in Malaise traps. It is likely that those wasp species have not been reared yet because they are parasitizing small moth larvae concealed inside more or less woody plant or fungal tissues - the ACG inventory, while being the most comprehensive effort ever done to rear tropical caterpillars, has only focused on exposed feeders and rollers of green leaves.

Female, depository unknown. INDIA, Maharashtra, Kolhapur. Holotype not examined.

There are several issues that will require further study to clarify the status and identity of this species. First, all other Promicrogaster specimens that we have seen in collections (from either described or undescribed species) are restricted to the New World, and all published evidence (e.g., Mason 1981, Whitfield 1997) does not support this genus to be present in India. Second, Promicrogaster saraswatti was described by Sathe and Bhoje (1998) as a parasitoid of Phytomyza atricornis Meigen (Diptera: Agromyzidae), which is very suspicious, as all authenticated records of Microgastrinae are from Lepidoptera (e.g., Shaw and Huddleston 1991, Whitfield 1997, Quicke, 2015). Third, Sathe and Bhoje (1998) recorded in their paper the body size of the parasitoid wasp to be 4.64 mm and the wasp cocoon to be 4.5 mm; this is in strong contrast to a much smaller size for its supposed host: larvae of Phytomyza atricornis are only known to reach a maximum length of 3.5 mm and their puparia are even smaller at 2.1–2.5 mm (Cohen 1936). All of that points towards this species not being Promicrogaster but some other Microgastrinae (impossible to tell based on the unclear original description, which lacked any illustration); and the parasitoid’s biology might well have also been misunderstood and should be considered as highly questionable. To complicate things further, no details about the institution storing the holotype and 33 paratypes (reportedly from the same locality and data as holotype) were provided by the authors. Because the original description of P. saraswatti is the only source of information currently available, this species remains unrecognizable.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Santa Rosa, Area Administrativa, 295m, 10.83764, -85.61871. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031827.

1♀ (CNC), same locality as holotype. DNA voucher code: DHJPAR0031814.

Head: mostly black, clypeus, labrum and mandibles yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: white. Metasoma (dorsally): T1 mostly red with black margins (posterior 0.3 of T1 black sometimes), T2–T4 red-orange or yellow-orange, T5+ yellow with small central band brown. Metacoxa: Orange. Malar distance: 0.3 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: mostly smooth, with posterior 0.3 sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly smooth. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.14 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.12 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.11 mm. Body length: 4.20–4.97 mm. Fore wing length: 4.17–4.83 mm. Ovipositor length: 2.40–3.50 mm. Metacoxa length: 1.10–1.41 mm. Metafemur length: 1.11–1.32 mm. Metatibia length: 1.44–1.89 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.56–0.73mm/ 0.32–0.40 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.18–0.20 mm/ 0.42–0.63 mm.

Distribution. Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, dry forest, Costa Rica.

The female holotype is larger and slightly darker than the paratype.

Promicrogaster alexmartinezi is named in honor of 13-year-old Alex Geovanny Martínez López from the Colonia Bolaños school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Sendero Cima, 1460m, 10.93328, -85.45729. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0034152.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles yellow-orange. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma color: black. Tegula: dark brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: dark brown on anterior 0.5, yellow on posterior 0.5. Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: absent. T1 sculpture: mostly sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.15 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.06 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.08 mm. Body length: 3.46 mm. Fore wing length: 3.34 mm. Ovipositor length: 2.18 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.76 mm. Metafemur length: 0.89 mm. Metatibia length: 1.06 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.45mm/ 0.27 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.14 mm/ 0.44 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster andreyvallejosi is named in honor of 11-year-old Andrey Vallejos López from the La Garita Vieja school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

The ovipositor was too curved and the metacoxa was partially hidden in the available specimen, so those measurements should be considered as approximate.

Female, BMNH (examined). MEXICO, Guerrero, Omilteme, 2400 m.

Mexico, Brazil. The two Mexican specimens were collected at altitudes of 1,400 and 2,400 m respectively, whereas the Brazilian specimen was collected at around 500 m (Nixon 1965).

The relatively long flagellomere 15, as well as body length and fore wing length over 4.0 mm are the most useful characters to separate the species from a few Costa Rican species that are otherwise similar morphologically (e.g., P. brandondinartei, P. liagrantae and P. tracyvindasae). P. apharea is only known from three female specimens, as mentioned in the original description Nixon (1965). The strange geographic and ecological distribution reported suggests it might actually comprise two different species, one from Mexico and one from Brazil. Because we only examined the holotype we cannot conclude about that.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Sendero Arenales, 1080m, 10.92471, -85.46738. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031290.

1♀ (NMNH), same locality as holotype; 2♀ 1♂ (CNC), Costa Rica, Guanacaste, ACG, Sector Cacao, Sendero Circular, 1185m, 10.92714, -85.46683; 1♂ (CNC). Panama, Cerro Campana, 850m, 8° 40’ N 79° 55’ W. DNA Voucher codes: CNCHYM 01985, DHJPAR0031203, DHJPAR0031206, DHJPAR0031258, DHJPAR0031326.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles light brown to yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: brown. Metasoma (dorsally): dark brown to black. Metacoxa: yellow. Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: mostly sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.15 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.10 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.08 mm. Body length: 3.54 mm. Fore wing length: 3.70 mm. Ovipositor length: 2.89 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.85 mm. Metafemur length: 0.97 mm. Metatibia length: 1.27 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.50 mm/ 0.31 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.11 mm/ 0.47 mm.

Costa Rica (ACG, cloud forest), Panama.

Promicrogaster brandondinartei is named in honor of 12-year-old Brandon Josué Dinarte Barrientos from the Huacas school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

There are two barcode divergent groups within what we call Promicrogaster brandondinartei (Fig. 160). The holotype (DHJPAR0031290, from the barcode BIN BOLD:ABZ2999) and three of the paratypes (DHJPAR0031203, DHJPAR0031258, DHJPAR0031206, from the barcode BIN BOLD:AAM9535) form two sequence clusters that are not monophyletic within the genus. A fourth paratype specimen (DHJPAR0031326) is represented by a short sequence that clusters with the holotype. These two BINS are separated by 2.3 % sequence divergence, four amino acid differences and are derived from specimens collected from Malaise traps placed at different elevations along Volcán Cacao (Arenales and Circular at approximately 1,000m and 1,200m respectively). This may suggest that there are multiple species within this name. However, the trace files for the BIN associated with the holotype (BOLD:ABZ2999) contain ambiguities at the bases associated with the amino acid changes between the two BINS, a potential signal of co-amplification of a pseudogene or numt (Zhang and Hewitt 1996). Since the specimens are morphologically indistinguishable, we consider it likely that the barcode records for P. brandondinartei contain variation derived from a pseudogene rather than representing a true mitochondrial variant. However, clearly delineating between the hypotheses of morphologically cryptic species-level variation (two BINS) or pseudogene-derived barcode variation within brandondinartei will require further collections and specimens to be barcoded.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Santa Rosa, Area Administrativa, 295m, 10.83764, -85.61871. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031641.

1♀ (CNC), same locality as holotype. DNA voucher code: DHJPAR0031819.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles light brown to yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: dark brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: mostly black to dark brown (posterior 0.1–0.2 yellow). Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: mostly sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.10 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.05 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.03 mm. Body length: 1.81 mm. Fore wing length: 2.02 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.47 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.31 mm. Metafemur length: 0.47 mm. Metatibia length: 0.58 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.27 mm/ 0.13 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.04 mm/ 0.24 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, dry forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster daniellopezi is named in honor of 13-year-old Migdonio Daniel López Martínez from the Colonia Bolaños school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Alajuela, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector San Cristobal, Bosque Trampa Malaise, 815m, 10.86280, -85.38460. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0025899.

12♀, 37♂ (CNC, NMNH, BMNH, INBio). Costa Rica, Alajuela, ACG, same locality than holotype; Sector San Cristóbal, Río Blanco Abajo, 10.9, -85.373, 500m; Sector San Cristóbal, Potrero Argentina, 10.89, -85.388, 520m; Sector San Cristóbal, Estación San Gerardo, 10.88, -85.389, 575m; Sector Rincón Rain Forest, Vado Río Francia, 10.901, -85.289, 400m. DNA Voucher codes: DHJPAR0025506, DHJPAR0024792, DHJPAR0025676, DHJPAR0025820, DHJPAR0025821, DHJPAR0025872, DHJPAR0025873, DHJPAR0025874, DHJPAR0025908, DHJPAR0025945, DHJPAR0025953, DHJPAR0025963, DHJPAR0025968, DHJPAR0025971, DHJPAR0025973, DHJPAR0025980, DHJPAR0025986, DHJPAR0025989, DHJPAR0025999, DHJPAR0026006, DHJPAR0026009, DHJPAR0026010, DHJPAR0026011, DHJPAR0026015, DHJPAR0026023, DHJPAR0026025, DHJPAR0026041, DHJPAR0026044, DHJPAR0026057, DHJPAR0026072, DHJPAR0026077, DHJPAR0027603, DHJPAR0027604, DHJPAR0027611, DHJPAR0027615, DHJPAR0027617, DHJPAR0027624, DHJPAR0027630, DHJPAR0027634, DHJPAR0027638, DHJPAR0027640, DHJPAR0027642, DHJPAR0027643, DHJPAR0027662, DHJPAR0027665, DHJPAR0027674, DHJPAR0027677, DHJPAR0027694, DHJPAR0027702.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles yellow. Flagellomeres: flagellomeres 1–8 and 15–16 dark brown, flagellomeres 9–14 (sometimes only 10–14) yellow white. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: dark brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: mostly orange-yellow but with small brown spot dorsally. Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: mostly sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.10–0.11 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.06–0.08 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.05–0.06 mm. Body length: 2.49–2.75 mm. Fore wing length: 2.55–2.86 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.67–1.90 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.63–0.72 mm. Metafemur length: 0.73–0.81 mm. Metatibia length: 0.89–1.01 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.32–0.40 mm/ mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.06–0.10 mm/ 0.15–0.33 mm.

Costa Rica (ACG, mid-elevation rain forest).

Promicrogaster daretrizoi is named in honor of 12-year-old Daret Rizo Alemán from the Colonia Bolaños school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Sendero Arenales, 1080m, 10.92471, -85.46738. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031320.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles light brown to yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: mostly black to dark brown (posterior 0.1–0.2 yellow). Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: absent. T1 sculpture: anterior 0.5 smooth, posterior 0.5 sculptured.

T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.11 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.08 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.06 mm. Body length: 2.29 mm. Fore wing length: 2.65 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.77 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.56 mm. Metafemur length: 0.68 mm. Metatibia length: 0.89 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.30 mm/ 0.16 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.08 mm/ 0.39 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster eddycastroi is named in honor of 12-year-old Eddy Alfredo Castro Detrinidad from the Huacas school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Alajuela, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector San Cristobal, Potrero Argentina, 520m, 10.89021, -85.38803. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0027520.

1♀, 1♂ (CNC), same locality as holotype. 1♂ (CNC), ACG, Sector San Cristobal, Rio Blanco Abajo, 500m, 10.90037, -85.37254. DNA voucher codes: DHJPAR0025577, DHJPAR0025685, DHJPAR0026587.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles light brown to yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: orange-yellow. Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: mostly sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.10 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.08 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.06 mm. Body length: 2.78–2.80 mm. Fore wing length: 2.73–2.80 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.69–1.84 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.63 mm. Metafemur length: 0.69–0.71 mm. Metatibia length: 0.87–0.92 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.32 mm/ 0.15–0.23 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.11 mm/ 0.32–0.37 mm.

Costa Rica (ACG, mid-elevation rain forest).

Promicrogaster eimyobandoae is named in honor of 12-year-old Eimy Yuleisi Obando Zelaya from the La Garita Vieja school for her growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in her homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Sendero Arenales, 1080m, 10.92471, -85.46738. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031313.

1♀ (CNC), same locality as holotype. DNA voucher code: DHJPAR0031314.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles light brown to yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: mostly black to dark brown (posterior 0.1–0.2 yellow). Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: absent. T1 sculpture: mostly sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.08–0.10 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.08 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.05 mm. Body length: 1.98–2.14 mm. Fore wing length: 2.23–2.25 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.40–1.57 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.45–0.47 mm. Metafemur length: 0.52–0.56 mm. Metatibia length: 0.65–0.69 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.24–0.27 mm/ 0.11 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.06–0.07 mm/ 0.27–0.29 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster fabiancastroi is named in honor of 8-year-old Fabián Castro Gutiérrez from Educarte school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector El Hacha, Sendero Bejuquilla, 280m, 11.03004, -85.52699. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0012588.

Head: mostly black, clypeus, labrum and mandibles yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: white. Metasoma (dorsally): T1–T4 entirely orange-yellow, T5+ mostly dark brown to black. Metacoxa: orange. Malar distance: more than 0.3 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: smooth. T2 sculpture: smooth. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.19 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.13 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.10 mm. Body length: 5.28 mm. Fore wing length: 4.96 mm. Ovipositor length: 4.26 mm. Metacoxa length: 1.18 mm. Metafemur length: 1.29 mm. Metatibia length: 1.71 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.48 mm/ 0.56 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.26 mm/ 0.58 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, dry forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster fabriciocambroneroi is named in honor of 11-year-old Félix Fabricio Cambronero Mendoza from the Colonia Bolaños school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Alajuela, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector San Cristobal, Rio Blanco Abajo, 500m, 10.90037, -85.37254. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0026620.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles yellow. Flagellomeres: flagellomeres 1–4 yellow-brown, flagellomeres 5–16 dark brown. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: black. Metasoma (dorsally): mostly dark brown, with orange-yellow areas on anterior 0.6 of T1 and anterior 0.5 of T3. Metacoxa: orange-yellow. Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: mostly smooth, with posterior 0.3 sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.11 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.08 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.06 mm. Body length: 2.47 mm. Fore wing length: 2.52 mm. Ovipositor length: 2.02 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.60 mm. Metafemur length: 0.65 mm. Metatibia length: 0.84 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.34 mm/ 0.15 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.08 mm/ 0.31 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, mid-elevation rain forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster hillaryvillafuerteae is named in honor of 11-year-old Hillary Massiel Villafuerte Villegas from the Santa Rosa school for her growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in her homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Sendero Arenales, 1080m, 10.92471, -85.46738. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031319.

1♀, 1♂ (CNC), same locality as holotype. DNA voucher codes: DHJPAR0031274, DHJPAR0031318.

Head: mostly black, clypeus, labrum and mandibles yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: yellow. Metasoma (dorsally): T1–T2 dark brown to black, T3 mostly yellow, with anterior 0.2 light brown, T4–7 brown anteriorly, white on posterior 0.3–0.5. Metacoxa: orange-yellow. Malar distance: 0.2–0.3 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: anterior 0.5 smooth, posterior 0.5 sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.14–0.15 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.10 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.07–0.08 mm. Body length: 2.85–3.37 mm. Fore wing length: 3.47–3.67 mm. Ovipositor length: 2.49–3.38 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.81–0.85 mm. Metafemur length: 0.89 mm. Metatibia length: 1.13–1.18 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.40–0.56 mm/ 0.21–0.24 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.11 mm/ 0.40–0.47 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster kevinmartinezi is named in honor of 12-year-old Kevin Olivier Martínez Pérez from the Colonia Bolaños school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Sendero Arenales, 1080m, 10.92471, -85.46738. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031288.

Head: mostly black, clypeus, labrum and mandibles yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: dark brown. Metasoma (dorsally): mostly dark brown, with T3+ white on posterior 0.2–0.5. Metacoxa: dark brown on anterior 0.7, yellow-white on posterior 0.3. Malar distance: 0.2–0.3 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: anterior 0.5 smooth, posterior 0.5 sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.13 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.13 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.08 mm. Body length: 3.51 mm. Fore wing length: 3.80 mm. Ovipositor length: 2.95 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.82 mm. Metafemur length: 0.89 mm. Metatibia length: 1.10 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.37 mm/ 0.22 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.10 mm/ 0.47 mm.

Distribution. Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster kiralycastilloae is named in honor of 12-year-old Kiraly Castillo García from the Colonia Bolaños school for her growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in her homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Cerro Pedregal, 1080m, 10.92767, -85.47449. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031431.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles yellow. Flagellomeres: first 10 flagellomeres dark brown to black, flagellomeres 11–16 yellow-white. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: white. Metasoma (dorsally): dark brown to black. Metacoxa: dark brown on anterior 0.5, yellow on posterior 0.5. Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: mostly sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.10 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.06 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.06 mm. Body length: 2.16 mm. Fore wing length: 2.02 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.30 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.65 mm. Metafemur length: 0.77 mm. Metatibia length: 0.97 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.32 mm/ 0.15 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.10 mm/ 0.26 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster leilycastilloae is named in honor of 12-year-old Leily María Castillo Mora from the Colonia Bolaños school for her growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in her homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Santa Rosa, Bosque San Emilio, 300m, 10.84389, -85.61384. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0013138.

2♀ (CNC), Costa Rica, ACG, Sector El Hacha, Sendero Bejuquilla, 280m, 11.0.004, -85.52699. DNA Voucher codes: DHJPAR0012586, DHJPAR0012587.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: yellow. Metasoma (dorsally): mostly dark brown to black, T3 with yellow spots laterally. Metacoxa: yellow. Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: anterior 0.5 smooth, posterior 0.5 sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.11–0.14 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.08–0.10 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.06–0.07 mm. Body length: 2.95–3.28 mm. Fore wing length: 3.11–3.15 mm. Ovipositor length: 2.66–2.70 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.73–0.76 mm. Metafemur length: 0.77–0.82 mm. Metatibia length: 0.97–1.03 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.48–0.52 mm/ 0.24–0.27 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.10–0.11 mm/ 0.40–0.45 mm.

Costa Rica (ACG, dry forest).

Promicrogaster liagrantae is named in honor of 12-year-old Lia Thamara Grant Chacón from the Huacas school for her growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in her homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Sendero Circular, 1185m, 10.92714, -85.46683. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031207.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles light brown. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: mostly black to dark brown (posterior 0.1–0.2 yellow). Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: absent. T1 sculpture: mostly sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.08 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.09 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.05 mm. Body length: 2.33 mm. Fore wing length: 2.37 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.67 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.50 mm. Metafemur length: 0.58 mm. Metatibia length: 0.76 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.23 mm/ 0.13 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.10 mm/ 0.32 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster luismendezi is named in honor of 12-year-old Luis Eduardo Méndez from the Santa Rosa school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, NMNH (not examined). PANAMA, Barro Colorado Island, Canal Zone. Voucher code: USNM 63052.

1♀ (CNC), TRINIDAD, Curepe, viii.1978, Malasise Trap; 1♀ (CNC), TRINIDAD, St. Augustine, x.1946, collected on Cordia (Boraginaceae).

Panama, Trinidad.

Previously known only from the holotype, we consider here two specimens from Trinidad (in the CNC collection) to be conspecific based on morphological similarities with the original description -thus expanding the known distribution of the species. However, future study of the holotype will be needed to corroborate our present decision. The photos provided in this paper were taken from one of the Trinidad specimens.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Puntarenas, Monteverde. Holotype labels: COSTA RICA, Puntarenas, Monteverde, v.1990, D. Goulet, FIT [Flight Interception Trap], cloud forest. Voucher code: CNC 483494

1♀ (CNC), Costa Rica, Alajuela, ACG, Sector San Cristobal, Bosque Trampa Malaise, 815m, 10.86280, -85.38460. DNA voucher code: DHJPAR0025917.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles yellow to light brown. Flagellomeres: dark brown. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: dark brown to black. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: orange-yellow. Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: mostly sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.10–0.11 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.08–0.10 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.06 mm. Body length: 3.18–3.19 mm. Fore wing length: 2.95–3.34 mm. Ovipositor length: 2.60–2.96 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.60–0.70 mm. Metafemur length: 0.73–0.82 mm. Metatibia length: 0.92–1.05 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.27–0.35 mm/ 0.18–0.24 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.09–1.00 mm/ 0.39–0.45 mm.

Costa Rica, mid-elevation rain forest in Monteverde and ACG.

Named after the type locality, Monteverde.

Female, NMNH (not examined). HONDURAS, Tegucigalpa. Voucher code: USNM 63052.

2♀ (CNC), COSTA RICA, Puntarenas, San Vito, Las Cruces Biological Station, ~1,200m, 8.7853, -82.9589, voucher code: CNCH3316; 5.vii.1983, B. Gill (coll.); 2♀ (CNC), PANAMA, Chiriquí Province, 15km NW of Hato del Volcán, 1200m, 24–31.v.1977, Peck & Howden (colls.).

Head: mostly black, clypeus, labrum and mandibles yellow. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: yellow. Metasoma (dorsally): T1 orange-yellow, T2+ yellow (some specimens with small brown spot centrally on T4+). Metacoxa: orange-yellow. Malar distance: 0.2–0.3 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: mostly smooth, with posterior 0.3 sculptured. T2 sculpture: smooth. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.15–0.18 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.11–0.14 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.10–0.11 mm. Body length: 4.33–5.12 mm. Fore wing length: 4.00–4.95 mm. Ovipositor length: 3.44–4.58 mm. Metacoxa length: 1.08–1.41 mm. Metafemur length: 1.14–1.51 mm. Metatibia length: 1.43–1.89 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.45–0.74 mm/ 0.29–0.40 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.10–0.15 mm/ 0.39–0.60 mm.

Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama.

The description and photos provided above are based on the CNC specimens studied, not the holotype–which was not examined. However, we suspect that P. munda is actually a complex of at least 2 morphologically similar species. We found variable coloration of the metatibia (entirely black vs mostly orange-yellow) and fore wing (hyaline vs infumated) among the specimens seen, as well as significant differences in size (with specimens from Panama being smaller than those of Costa Rica, with body and fore wing lengths 0.6-0.8 mm shorter) and relative length of T1. Until more material becomes available for study we prefer to keep all specimens as P. munda.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Cerro Pedregal, 1080m, 10.92767, -85.47449. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031409.

1♀ (CNC), same locality as holotype. DNA voucher code: DHJPAR0031404.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles light brown. Flagellomeres: dark brown. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: mostly black to dark brown (posterior 0.1–0.2 yellow). Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: absent. T1 sculpture: anterior 0.5 sculptured, posterior 0.5 sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.11–0.14 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.07–0.09 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.06 mm. Body length: 2.33–2.39 mm. Fore wing length: 2.31–2.47 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.41–1.92 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.47–0.53 mm. Metafemur length: 0.52–0.61 mm. Metatibia length: 0.66–0.79 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.24–0.30 mm/ 0.16–0.18 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.08–0.10 mm/ 0.32–0.34 mm.

Distribution. Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster naomiduarteae is named in honor of 11-year-old Naomi Duarte Cerdas from the Huacas school for her growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in her homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Alajuela, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector San Cristobal, Bosque Trampa Malaise, 815m, 10.86280, -85.38460. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0025926.

6♂ (CNC, NMNH), same locality as holotype; 1♂ (CNC), from Costa Rica, Guanacaste, ACG, Sector Cacao, Cerro Pedregal, 1080m, 10.92767, -85.47449. DNA Voucher codes: DHJPAR0025962, DHJPAR0025964, DHJPAR0025993, DHJPAR0026085, DHJPAR0026089, DHJPAR0027659, DHJPAR0031406.

Head: orange-yellow. Flagellomeres: flagellomeres 1–2 light brown, flagellomeres 3–11 orange-yellow, flagellomeres 12–16 dark brown. Mesosoma: mostly black, with anteromesoscutum, scutellar disc and part of the axillar complex orange-brown. Tegula: yellow. Metasoma (dorsally): dark brown to black. Metacoxa: orange dorsally, brown ventrally. Malar distance: 0.2–0.3 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: smooth. T2 sculpture: smooth. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.11 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.10–0.11 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.06–0.07 mm. Body length: 2.65 mm. Fore wing length: 2.99 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.28 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.77 mm. Metafemur length: 0.90 mm. Metatibia length: 1.06 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.48 mm/ 0.21 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.11 mm/ 0.40 mm.

Costa Rica (ACG, mid-elevation rain forest and cloud forest).

Promicrogaster pablouzagai is named in honor of 14-year-old Juan Pablo Uzaga López from the Colonia Bolaños school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Based in body color, propodeum sculpture, and shape of areolet in fore wing, this is the most distinctive Promicrogaster among all species studied.

Female, NMNH (not examined). PANAMA, Barro Colorado Island, Canal Zone. Voucher code: USNM 63053.

1♀, paratype (CNC), same locality than holotype; 1♂ (CNC), PANAMA, Panama, Cerro Campana, 850m, 8°40’N, 19°50W; 1♂ (CNC), PANAMA, Panama, no further locality information.

Panama.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Sendero Arenales, 1080m, 10.92471, -85.46738. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0031345.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles light brown. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: dark brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: mostly black to dark brown (posterior 0.1–0.2 yellow). Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: absent. T1 sculpture: mostly smooth, with some sculpture laterlally. T2 sculpture: mostly smooth with some sculptured near posterior margin. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.07 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.08 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.06 mm. Body length: 1.94 mm. Fore wing length: 2.21 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.56 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.47 mm. Metafemur length: 0.48 mm. Metatibia length: 0.68 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.23mm/ 0.15 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.06 mm/ 0.21 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster ronycastilloi is named in honor of 10-year-old Rony Castillo Martínez from the Colonia Bolaños school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Guanacaste, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Cacao, Cerro Pedregal, 1080m, 10.92767, -85.47449. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0033736.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles orange-brown. Flagellomeres: dark brown. Mesosoma: black. Tegula: dark brown. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: mostly black to dark brown (posterior 0.1–0.2 yellow). Malar distance: 0.2–0.3 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: absent. T1 sculpture: anterior 0.5 smooth, posterior 0.5 sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.10 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.08 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.05 mm. Body length: 2.43 mm. Fore wing length: 2.37 mm. Ovipositor length: 1.73 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.50 mm. Metafemur length: 0.56 mm. Metatibia length: 0.69 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.22 mm/ 0.16 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.08 mm/ 0.27 mm.

Known only from the holotype locality in ACG, cloud forest, Costa Rica.

Promicrogaster sebastiancambroneroi is named in honor of 12-year-old Erick Sebastián Cambronero Narváez from the Colonia Bolaños school for his growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in his homeland.

Female, CNC. COSTA RICA, Alajuela, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Sector Rincón Rain Forest, Vado Rio Francia, 400m, 10.90093, -85.28915. DNA Voucher code: DHJPAR0025529.

1♀, 1♂ (CNC), Costa Rica, Alajuela, ACG, Sector San Cristobal, Potrero Argentina, 520m, 10.89021, -85.38803; 1♀ (CNC), Costa Rica, Braulio Carrillo National Park, 500m, 10.10, -84.07; 1♀ (CNC), Costa Rica, San Vito, Las Cruces. DNA voucher codes: CNCHYM 01515, DHJPAR0025572, DHJPAR0025660.

Head: mostly black, labrum and mandibles yellow to orange-brown. Flagellomeres: dark brown to black. Mesosoma color: black. Tegula: yellow. Metasoma (dorsally): black to dark brown. Metacoxa: orange-yellow. Malar distance: less than 0.2 × eye length. Fore wing areolet: present. T1 sculpture: anterior 05. Smooth, posterior 0.5 sculptured. T2 sculpture: mostly sculptured, except for smooth central area. Ocular–ocellar line: 0.13–0.14 mm. Interocellar distance: 0.08–0.10 mm. Posterior ocellus diameter: 0.08 mm. Body length: 3.61–3.93 mm. Fore wing length: 3.57–4.08 mm. Ovipositor length: 2.50–2.96 mm. Metacoxa length: 0.82–0.90 mm. Metafemur length: 0.89–1.03 mm. Metatibia length: 1.04–1.29 mm. T1 length/width at posterior margin: 0.50–0.55 mm/ 0.30–0.32 mm. T2 length/width at posterior margin: 0.10–0.14 mm/ 0.45–0.58 mm.

Costa Rica, mid-elevation rain forest.

Promicrogaster tracyvindasae is named in honor of 11-year-old Tracy Johana Vindas Espinoza from the Huacas school for her growing enthusiasm for understanding and protecting the wild nature that occurs in her homeland.