Phylogenetics of Ichneumonoidea (Hymenoptera): understanding host-choice evolution using innovative molecular approaches

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In almost every terrestrial habitat in Canada, approximately one out of ten animals is a parasitic wasp in the superfamily Ichneumonoidea. Harmless to humans, these beneficial insects attack and kill major insect pests in agricultural and forest ecosystems, thereby protecting our most valued resources. Unfortunately, our knowledge of these wasps is limited as little research has been devoted to studying these highly diverse species. This research program incorporates phylogenetics, evolution, and biology to document and describe the immense biodiversity of ichneumonoid wasps and determine the evolutionary relationships among these species. This research will increase our understanding of what species of parasitic wasps we have in Canada, where they can be found, and how they are similar or different from other species. Species descriptions and the development of easy to use identification tools for these species will foster understanding of these wasps by researchers and the general public so they can be conserved in crops, forests, and gardens. This research focuses on the evolution of host-choice in parasitoid wasps and how this trait has contributed to the genesis of biodiversity. Understanding what drives biodiversity is a fundamentally important concept, particularly as we strive to conserve species in the midst of habitat destruction, biological invasions, and climate change. This research will also provide insight to what hosts are utilized by parasitoids and provide tools for predicting the biology of newly discovered species.