A new look at an old problem: Resolving the Peristenus pallipes complex using a multigene approach

Species of Peristenus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) are important biological control agents of plant bugs (Hemiptera:  Miridae), in particular the large genus Lygus.The central problem associated with Peristenus taxonomy is the Peristenus pallipes species complex.  Members of the P. pallipes complex are Holarctic in distribution, ranging from temperate to boreal regions. At least nine Nearctic species are currently recognized; however, they are often unidentifiable without detailed biological data.  The species concepts of members of P. pallipes complex are tested using multilocus phylogenetic analysis in combination with morphological and ecological data, and the results will be discussed in comparison with previous results.