Phylogeny of parasitoid wasps of the superfamily Platygastroidea (Hymenoptera): an expanded analysis, evolution of host relationships, and higher classification

The superfamily Platygastroidea (Hymenoptera) is a widespread group of parasitoid wasps, most of which are egg or egg-larval parasitoids of other arthropods. We present a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the superfamily based on sequence from four gene markers: 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA, CO1 and EF1-α. The main results from Murphy et al. (2007) are corroborated including the monophyly of Platygastrinae+Sceliotrachelinae, a main (unnamed) scelionid clade, the subfamily Teleasinae, and the tribe Baeini. Additional evidence is provided to support relationships of the basal platygastroids, including the tribes Sparasionini and Nixoniini, as well as the genus Janzenella. Additional extensive taxon-sampling beyond the Murphy et al. study clarifies the relationships of several monobasic tribes including Mantibariini, Platyscelionini, Palpoteleini, and Cremastobaeini. The evolution of host relationships is interpreted in the context of the new phylogeny.