Entomology Commons^™

Key To The Species Of Megarhyssa (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Rhyssinae) In America, North Of Mexico, Victoria G. Pook, Michael J. Sharkey, David B. Wahl

Entomology Faculty Publications

A dichotomous and an interactive key to the species of Megarhyssa (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in America, north of Mexico are presented. A diagnosis accompanied by images is provided for male and female wasps of each of the four species, Megarhyssa atrata, Megarhyssa greenei, Megarhyssa macrurus and Megarhyssa nortoni.

Investigating Ichneumonidae: Insights Into Species Identification And Venom Composition, Victoria G. Pook

Theses and Dissertations--Entomology

Parasitoid wasps are hyperdiverse, with current estimates suggesting that they may account for up to 20% of all insect species. Though their ecological significance and their importance in integrated pest management cannot be denied, these taxa remain understudied and, due to their small size, are often overlooked. However, recent advances in molecular techniques are helping to reverse this trend by providing tools which scientists can use to better understand species limits and host interactions.

Parasitoid wasps are often morphologically cryptic and their accurate delimitation requires the analysis of DNA sequence data from fast-evolving genes in addition to morphological characters. The …