Chiloe micropteron ♀️

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Chiloe micropteron is a rare, and very tiny wasp (around 0.8mm) in the family Baeomorphidae, formerly placed in the family Rotoitidae. It was described by Gibson and Huber in 2000. It is one of only two extant (living) species in the family Baeomorphidae, which is considered a basal group of the Chalcidoidea superfamily. The genus name is derived from Chiloé Island, and the species name refers to its very small forewings. It is found in southern Chile, specifically Chiloé Island and Puyehue National Park. Adults are associated with Sphagnum moss. The specific hosts are unknown, but it is suspected that they are parasitoids of moss-dwelling, relictual insects, possibly the Peloridiidae (moss bugs) or Myerslopiidae. Females have significantly reduced forewings that look like tiny bristles.

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