Web-Integrated Taxonomy and Systematics of the Parasitic Wasp Family Signiphoridae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea)

Abstract

This work focuses on the taxonomy and systematics of parasitic wasps of the family Signiphoridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea), a relatively small family of chalcidoid wasps, with 79 described valid species in 4 genera: Signiphora Ashmead, Clytina Erdös, Chartocerus Motschulsky and Thysanus Walker. A phylogenetic analysis of the internal relationships in Signiphoridae, a discussion of its supra-specific classification based on DNA sequences of the 18S rDNA, 28S rDNA and COI genes, and taxonomic studies on the genera Clytina, Thysanus and Chartocerus are presented. In the phylogenetic analyses, all genera except Clytina were recovered as monophyletic. The classification into subfamilies was not supported. Out of the four currently recognized species groups in Signiphora, only the Signiphora flavopalliata species group was supported. The taxonomic work was conducted using advanced digital imaging, content management systems, having in sight the online delivery of taxonomic information. The evolution of changes in the taxonomic workflow and dissemination of results are reviewed and discussed in light of current bioinformatics. The species of Thysanus and Clytina are revised and redescribed, including documentation of type material. Four new species of Thysanus and one of Clytina are described. The taxonomy of Chartocerus is reviewed, including redescriptions of 25 out of 33 currently valid species, most based on type or topotypical material.