A frequency selective limiter operative in a magnetostatic surface mode with a pair of parallel microstrip transducers formed on a substrate and having a length at least equal to the width of an overlaying YIG film ranging in thickness from about 0.1 m and about 5.0 m and having a width equal to or less than about 20. mm and which is biased by a permanent magnetic field applied in the plane of the film parallel to the transducers so that magnetostatic surface waves propagate therebetween in the YIG film so as to provide a limiter threshold level in the range of -75 dBm to -35 dBm. The transducers have specific spacings and dimensions.