A proctotrupid wasp in Lebanese Lower Cretaceous amber (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupidae)

The first fossil proctotrupid wasp in Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber is described and figured. Astarteserphus grimaldii gen. et sp. nov. is distinguished from all other liv-ing and fossil Proctotrupidae and placed into its own sub-family, Astarteserphinae subfam. nov. A key is presented to the living and fossil subfamilies and tribes of Proctotrupidae, and a brief discussion is provided on the unique features and diminutive size of the fossil.

Automated summary

This article describes the first fossil proctotrupid wasp found in Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber. The newly discovered species, Astarteserphus grimaldii, is distinct from all other living and fossil proctotrupids and is classified in its own subfamily called Astarteserphinae. The article also provides a key to the living and fossil subfamilies and tribes of Proctotrupidae and includes a brief discussion on the unique features and small size of the fossil.