Phylogenetic analysis of the South American velvet ant genus, Tallium (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae)

Tallium (André) is an endemic genus of South American wasps (Hymenoptera: Mutillidae). The phylogenetic relationships among members of the genus are presented for the first time, based primarily on morphological characters. Existing impediments to complete resolution of species relationships and potential solutions for these hurdles are discussed. The importance of these findings in the context of South American mutillid taxonomy and the implications for future research are elucidated.