Barb J. Sharanowski, rhubarb@uky.edu, University of Kentucky, Entomology, S-225 Agricultural Science Center North, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY and Michael J. Sharkey, msharkey@uky.edu, University of Kentucky, Department of Entomology, Agricultural Sciences North, Lexington, KY.
The subfamily Helconinae is a morphologically diverse group of solitary endoparasitoids of wood-boring and phytophagous beetle larvae. Currently, the subfamily is subdivided into four tribes containing approximately 45 genera world wide. To date there has been no formal cladistic analysis to elucidate relationships among members of this subfamily. Currently, no morphological synapomorphies exist to define the subfamily, tribes, or many of the recognized genera, several of which appear to be polyphyletic. Additionally, recent sampling in the neotropics has revealed many new species that are ill-defined by the current generic limits. We present a phylogenetic hypothesis based on multiple molecular markers and morphological characters of over 40 exemplar taxa. Generic limits of the Helconinae are discussed in light of the phylogenetic analysis.
Species 1: Hymenoptera Braconidae
Keywords: Molecular systematics
