Direct optimization and multiple alignment of 28S D2–D3 rDNA sequences: problems with indels on the way to a molecular phylogeny of the cryptine ichneumon waSPS (Insecta: Hymenoptera)

Abstract

A molecular phylogeny of the Cryptinae based on the D2–D3 region of the 28S rDNA gene, including 176 cryptines representing 139 genera and an additional 77 outgroup genera, is presented. Direct optimization and multiple alignment each with a range of gap/substitution parameters were employed. The informal higher grouping of the ichneumonids were supported, but the relationship of the Ichneumoninae and Cryptinae was not resolved. Cryptinae tribes were supported but many genera formed constant groups that did not follow earlier subtribal divisions. We investigated artifactual placements of, e.g., Agriotypinae and Brachycyrtinae, and showed that they do not possess molecular synapomophies with the Ichenumoninae where direct optimization places them. The sequences of anomalous placed taxa were markedly longer (or in some cases shorter) than those of most other taxa, and this is explained by homoplastic indels at “hot spots” in the absence of large numbers of informative substitutions. We show that multiple alignment generally resulted in taxa with large insertions or deletions being placed in more plausible positions. The relationship of the genus Alomya is also explored. © The Willi Hennig Society 2006.

Western Amazonian Ateleutina (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae)

“…Despite the fact that recent molecular studies discourage the use of the traditional Cryptinae subtribes of Townes (Laurenne et al 2006), since the most part of them are not monophyletic groups, no new classification of genera has been proposed. In accordance, we consider Ateleutina sensu Townes as a framework for the present study.…”

Host detection and rate of parasitism by Acroricnus seductor (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae), a natural enemy of mud-dauber wasps (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

“…Although the phylogeny of this tribe is still not completely resolved, it is possible that species which attack aculeate Hymenoptera are not necessarily closely related. Some morphological traits, such as mandible shape, are presumably convergent and are related to the utilization of aculeate nests (Laurenne et al, 2006). Host shifts probably occurred in this tribe (Laurenne et al, 2006(Laurenne et al, , 2009.…”

The Catalogue of Ichneumon Wasps of Slovakia (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) Part I: a Checklist of the Subfamily Cryptinae with 32 New Records

“…The subfamily has a worldwide distribution, however, it is recognised to be non-monophyletic (Laurenne et al, 2006). Similar to other ichneumonid groups, Cryptinae has various hosts and specialisations, from idiobiont ectoparasitoids to endoparasitoids of Diptera and Lepidoptera, and pseudohyperparasitoids of Hymenoptera including Ichneumonidae (Quicke, 2014).…”