The genus Venanus can be recognized by the following combination of features: Body shape shape relatively slender, often somewhat dorsoventrally flattened. Body color typically black nearly throughout, legs variable in color. Fore wing with closed areolet (r-m present). Metacoxae relatively small (as in Microplitis). Propodeum rugose, with medial carina present, at least for some portion of length. First metasomal tergite relatively elongate, of somewhat variable shape and degree of sculpturing. Second metasomal tergum with median raised area that is narrower than first tergite, at least at their junction. Ovipositor sheath distally with setae highly reduced in size (as in Distatrix, and Venanides). The genus is restricted to the New World, from as north as Canada (Yukon Territory) to Chile in South America (Mason 1981, Fernandez-Triana 2010, Whitfield et al. 2011). It is a relatively small genus, with nine species previoulsy described and a few other apparent new species found in collections (Whitfield et al. 2011). Leafmining and needle mining caterpillars were believed to be the main hosts (Mason 1981), however recently collecting and rearing of caterpiilas in South America suggests that other hosts such as Pyralidae might also be common (Whitfield et al. 2011).