This is the first of a series of papers revising the genera of Diapriidae with emphasis on the Central European fauna. The aim of this work should be to improve our knowledge of this poorly studied group of Proctotrupoidea as well as to provide useful keys, and to work out a new classification hased on the interpretation of apomorphies inferred. The genera are to be treated with respect to their presumed relationships. This paper deals with the subfamily Belytinae with particular reference to the tribus Pantolytini. The taxonomic value of adult characters and their taxonomic implications are discussed. Identification keys for all genera of Pantolytini are provided. A new classification for Pantolytini is proposed.