Title: |
Preliminary Phylogeny of EncarsiaFörster (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) Based on Morphology and 28S rDNA |
Authors: |
Babcock, C.S., Heraty, J.M., De Barro, P.J., Driver, F., Schmidt, S. |
Source: |
Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution; February 2001, Vol. 18 Issue: 2 p306-323, 18p |
Abstract: |
Species of EncarsiaFörster (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae, Coccophaginae) are economically important for the biological control of whitefly and armored scale pests (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae, Diaspididae). Whereas some regional keys for identification of Encarsiaspecies are now available, few studies have addressed relationships within this diverse and cosmopolitan genus because of unreliable morphological data. Nuclear sequences of the D2 expansion region of 28S rDNA were determined from 67 strains of 24 species representing 10 species groups of Encarsia,2 strains of Encarsiella noyesiHayat, and 1 strain of Coccophagoides fuscipennisGirault. Analysis of molecular data alone and combined with morphological data resolves many nodes not resolved by morphology alone and offer insights into which morphological characters are useful for supporting group relationships. All analyses that include molecular data reveal Encarsiato be paraphyletic with respect to Encarsiella.If monophyly of Encarsiais constrained, the relationships are the same but with a different root within Encarsia,and these trees are presented as an alternate hypothesis. The luteolaand strenuaspecies groups are shown by both morphological and molecular data to be monophyletic, whereas the inarongroup, the E. nigricephala+ luteolagroup, and the E. quericola+ strenuagroup are supported only by molecular data. The aurantiiand parvellaspecies groups are not supported in any of the analyses. The utility of morphological characters for defining species group relationships is discussed. |
Database: |
Supplemental Index |