PEET: Classification of Aphelinidae and Trichogrammitidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)

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9978150Heraty and Pinto Small parasitic wasps of the Chalcidoidea group are important biocontrol agents throughout the world, with recorded effects on aphids, scale insects, and whitefly pests in both natural and agricultural environments. Although ca. 18,000 scientific names have been recorded for the group, the taxonomy, classification, and phylogenetic understanding of these minute wasps are poorly developed. With adults often less than 2 mm in size and consequently with few easily discernible features to aid in identification and classification, the taxonomy of the group has relied upon tedious microscopic examination, often from limited collections. New morphological characters from electron microscopy of whole-insect mounts, and new DNA evidence from gene sequencing, now offer a revitalization of the field, with pioneering contributions from this strong team of researchers at University of California-Riverside. An impressive network of collaboration has been established with the relatively few remaining specialists in the world, and these colleagues will also facilitate new field collecting of specimens and studies of existing major museum holdings in Europe and Australia. Graduate student training builds upon a substantial university commitment to research and training in entomology. Databasing aspects of the project build upon an existing website devoted to studies of wasp biology and systematics, with an expanding inventory of specimen data.