Pincher wasps and their prey: Geometric morphometrics, morphology, and molecules contribute to the phylogeny of Dryinidae (Hymenoptera: Chrysidoidea) and the study of host-specificity

Dryinidae, parasitoids of Auchenorrhyncha, are found worldwide and are recorded as naturally attacking numerous agricultural pests. Despite their potential as biocontrol agents, these wasps are understudied and little is known of their evolutionary history. Using the novel incorporation of geometric morphometrics (as described in Catalano et al. 2010), combined with morphological and molecular data, I present a phylogeny that tests the proposed relationships within this family. Five shapes are analyzed – three configurations from the head and two from the chela- the pincer like structure that dryinids use to grapple with hosts and prey. The structures of the chela have shown significant variance throughout Dryinidae, but traditional morphological coding has failed to capture the subtle variations of curved edges and sculpturing. Using the generated phylogeny, I test hypothesis of host-choice and host-specificity throughout the lineages of Dryinidae.