Revision of the subfamily Megaspilinae (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronoidea)

Megaspilinae is a diverse group, yet the limits of the seven genera are poorly known. They are parasitoids and hyperparasitoids of at least five orders of insects. Generic concepts have never been tested by any phylogenetic analysis. To test these generic concepts, we used both morphological and molecular characters. Our results hypothesize that some genera are monophyletic and some are in need of redefinition (Dendrocerus and Conostigmus). In examining morphology of Trassedia, we discovered a suite of morphological characters, including the presence of the waterstone evaporatorium, that suggest the genus Trassedia should be transferred from Megaspilidae to Ceraphronidae. All sources of data are managed using MX, an online database for systematists. Such comprehensive management of data is a novel and useful method for revisionary work such as this.