DISSERTATION RESEARCH: Evolution of cleptoparasitism in apid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

在已知的5654种蜜蜂中，约有30%的蜜蜂被认为是剪寄生的。 剪寄生蜂不会自己筑巢，也不会为后代觅食。 相反，它们进入宿主蜜蜂的巢穴，在一个细胞中产卵，然后通常离开。 在这个项目中，研究人员将根据形态学和分子（DNA序列）数据对蜜蜂科进行系统发育研究。 努力将集中在家族的部落和属级，重点是cleptoparasitic血统。 然后，将使用该系统来研究剪寄生的起源和宿主寄生虫关系的模式。 此外，还将建立一个交互式的蜜蜂科属识别检索表。 该密钥将在互联网上提供。 此外，我们亦会利用改良的环管实验及实地观察，研究剪寄生蜂及其寄主的生物学。作为大部分开花植物的主要传粉者，蜜蜂对维持健康的生态系统及多种农作物至关重要。 考虑到该家族成员的经济和生态重要性，迫切需要更充分地了解这些蜜蜂的进化历史。

Evolution of cleptoparasitism in apid bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)Of the ~5654 described species of apid bees, approximately 30% are thought to be cleptoparasitic. Cleptoparasitic bees do not build their own nests or forage for their offspring. Instead, they enter the nest of a host bee, lay an egg in a cell, and then usually leave. In this project, investigators will conduct a phylogenetic study of the family Apidae based on both morphology and molecular (DNA sequence) data. Efforts will be focused at the tribal and generic levels of the family with an emphasis on the cleptoparasitic lineages. The phylogeny will then be used to investigate origins of cleptoparasitism and patterns of host parasite relationships. In addition, an interactive identification key to the genera of Apidae will be built. This key will be made available on the internet. The biology of cleptoparasitic bees and their hosts will also be studied using modified circle tube experiments and field observations.As the key pollinators of most flowering plants, bees are essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and many of our agricultural crops. Considering the economic and ecological importance of members of this family, it is pressing that the evolutionary history of these bees be more fully understood.