A phylogenetic reconstruction of the Ichneumonoidea (Hymenoptera) based on the D2 variable region of 28S ribosomal RNA |
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| Authors: | ROBERT BELSHAW MIKE FITTON ELISABETH HERNIOU CARMEN GIMENO & DONALD L J QUICKE |
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| Institution: | Department of Biology, Imperial College at Silwood Park, Ascot, U.K.,;Department of Entomology, The Natural History Museum, London, U.K.,;Insetec, Partida del Olivar, Bugarra, Valencia, Spain |
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| Abstract: | The D2 variable region of 28S rRNA was sequenced in a wide range of Ichneumonoidea to provide the first comprehensive phylogenetic reconstruction of this superfamily. The two constituent families (Braconidae and Ichneumonidae) were each found to contain a single well-supported clade dominated by the more plesiomorphic life history strategies (idiobiosis, ectoparasitism and attacking endoephytic hosts). In the Braconidae this clade corresponds to the morphologically-defined group called the cyclostomes. In the Ichneumonidae the clade unites for the first time the pimpliformes ( sensu Wahl) with most of the phygadeuontoid subfamilies and several small taxa including Adelognathus and Euceros . Relationships among the remaining, more biologically-derived, subfamilies were less well resolved, but included among the Braconidae a well-supported microgastroid clade and strong evidence for a sister group relationship between the Agathidinae and Sigalphinae. |
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