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Pelecinus polyturator (Drury, 1773) (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupoidea: Pelecinidae), is one of the three known species of the only genus that constitutes this family. It is easily recognizable by its shiny black color, its long and slender metasoma, and can reach a total body length of 7 cm. The species is reported in America, from Canada to Argentina. Its importance lies in the fact that it has been referred to as a parasitoid of larvae and pupae of some Scarabaeidae (Coleoptera); especially of the genus Phyllophaga, known as may beetles, which are pests in various crops. In the western region of Panama, the largest production of fresh fruits and vegetables is concentrated to supply the national market; but Phyllophaga larvae are usually found affecting crops. The objective of this work is to update the known distribution of Pelecinus polyturator in this part of the country. To do this, a record of field observations was made, from November 2021 to August 2022. Random trips were carried out in eight locations of the Chiriquí Province and one location of the Ngäbe-Buglé Comarca (CNB). In addition, databases on previous reports of the species in Panama were reviewed. According to the results, P. polyturator was present in all the study locations; confirming its presence in the Districts of Boquete, Tierras Altas and Renacimiento, Chiriquí and expanding its distribution known to the CNB. The first record of P. polyturator in Panama is from 1914 (Chiriquí); in addition to reports from Darien, Panama, Veraguas and Guna Yala.
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