Phylogenetic implications of the metasoma in Platygastroidea

Monday, November 11, 2024

8:36 AM – 8:48 AM MST

Location: Phoenix Convention Center, 225 A, PCC

Presenting Author(s)

Monique Raymond (she/her/hers)

Assistant Curator
University of New Hampshire
Newmarket, New Hampshire

Co-Author(s)

ET

Elijah Talamas

Florida State Collection of Arthropods
Gainesville, Florida
IM

István Mikó

Collections Manager
University of New Hampshire
Strafford, New Hampshire

Despite the unique nature of the internalized terminalia in Platygastroidea, detailed descriptions of their skeletomuscular systems are largely confined to the head, mesosoma, and ovipositor apparatus. In this presentation we provide an overview of major metasomal morphological concepts across the superfamily while exploring the relationships between the plesiomorphic muscle-driven ovipositor system, derived hydrostatic ovipositor system, their respective male genitalia, and the coupling of anterior metasomal sclerites impacting articulate range of motion. A preliminary phylogenetic analysis including 72 metasomal characters and 20 taxa representing all major lineages is performed and the phylogenetic implication of metasomal characters in Platygastroidea is discussed.