Chromosomal analysis: an effective research tool in phylogenetics and taxonomy of parasitoid Hymenoptera

Abstract

A brief review of phylogenetic and taxonomic implications of chromosomal analysis of parasitoid Hymenoptera is given. Although karyotypic research of parasitoids is generally represented by studies using pre-existing phylogenetic reconstructions of certain taxa, accumulating evidence can suggest some chromosomal synapomorphies that define a number of clades. As far as taxonomic aspects of the chromosomal analysis of parasitoid Hymenoptera are concerned, this analysis is most effective at the species level.

Keywords

• Hymenoptera
• parasitic wasps
• parasitoids
• chromosomes
• karyotypes
• phylogenetics
• taxonomy