Systematics of heterospiline Doryctinae in Costa Rica

该项目包括对哥斯达黎加发现的胡蜂属异斑蜂（Hypltera：Braconidae，Doryctinae）进行为期四年的系统学研究。Doryctinae亚科是最大和最多样化的黄蜂群之一。 它们寄生于蛀木昆虫幼虫，并作为生物控制剂发挥重要作用，管理这些昆虫的种群。在哥斯达黎加，异斑蛛属估计至少有250种。 本研究的具体目标是：（1）准备物种描述和识别码的物种;（2）产生一个种组水平Heterospilus基于3个基因的DNA序列数据的系统发育;（3）发表在哥斯达黎加的Heterospilus属的专著这些结果;和（4）开发相关的基于网络的互动识别码链接到生命之树网页。这项研究将导致完成对整个哥斯达黎加doryctine动物群的系统处理。因为它是这样一个物种丰富的热带组，异斑属代表了生物多样性，生殖和生物控制的更广泛的研究有价值的信息来源。一名研究生和博士后将接受分子和形态系统学技术的培训，了解茧蜂系统学，以及开发交互式密钥的方法。

This project consists of a four-year study of the systematics of the wasp genus Heterospilus (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Doryctinae) found in Costa Rica. The subfamily Doryctinae is one of the largest and most diverse groups of wasps. They parasitize wood-boring insect larvae and play important roles as biological control agents, managing populations of these insects. The genus Heterospilus is estimated to comprise at least 250 species in Costa Rica. Specific objectives of this study are: (1) to prepare species descriptions and identification keys to the species; (2) to produce a species-group level phylogeny of Heterospilus based on DNA sequence data from 3 genes; (3) to publish these results in a monograph of the genus Heterospilus of Costa Rica; and (4) to develop associated web-based interactive identification keys linked to Tree of Life pages. This study will result in the completion of the systematic treatment of the entire Costa Rican doryctine fauna. Because it is such a species-rich tropical group, the genus Heterospilus represents a valuable information source for broader studies of biodiversity, phylogeny, and biological control. A graduate student and postdoctoral associate will receive training in molecular and morphological systematic techniques, an understanding of braconid wasp systematics, and methods for the development of interactive keys.