Revision of European species of genus Metaphycus Mercet (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Encyrtidae), parasitoids of scale insects (Homoptera: Coccoidea)

Summary Fifty‐three European species of Metaphycus are revised. Three generic synonymies are proposed, nine species are described as new, sixteen new specific synonymies and four new combinations are proposed and lectotypes are designated for three species (lounsburyi, philippiae, timberlakei). A dichotomous key to the species is provided, each species is further characterized by a description and notes are provided on their distribution and known hosts. A host‐parasitoid index for all known European species is provided as an appendix.