Divergence estimates of the Cynipoidea: Insights into the evolution of gall induction

Phytophagous gall-inducing cynipoid wasps evolved from entomophagous ancestors. The precise branching pattern of these early lineages has, to date, been poorly investigated. The results of the study presented here suggest gall-associated figitid wasps, most notably Parnipinae, Thrasorinae and Plectocynipinae, are the lineages linking gall-induction habit with entomophagy. In addition to understanding this branching pattern, we will also present divergence estimates for these branches; these data suggest gall-induction evolved at least 95 million years ago.