A phylogenetic reconstruction of the Ichneumonoidea (Hymenoptera) based on the D2 variable region of 28S ribosomal RNA

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 endophytic 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.