The genus Meteorus (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Euphorinae) in the Neotropical Region: diversity, systematics and taxonomy

Abstract

The parasitic hymenoptera is one of the most diverse animal groups and has great importance in the maintenance of terrestrial ecosystems, since they act regulating the populations of many other arthropods. Despite its abundance and relevance many of its species haven't yet been described and for the ones described much information is missing about its biology, especially in the Neotropical Region. Studies that expand the taxonomic knowledge about this group, as well as their phylogenetic and ecological relationships, can subsidize its conservation and use in biological control programs. Within this context, the present project aims to contribute to the knowledge about the parasitic wasp genus Meteorus, based on material deposited in several national and international collections, pursuing three main objectives: 1) produce a survey of the Brazilian species, identifying useful morphological characters for their recognition, describing the new species that will be likely found and creating an identification key that facilitates the identification of specimens of the genus and therefore its use in biological control programs; 2) carry out a phylogenetic analysis of the species studied using morphological characters and molecular data (when available); 3) analyze the plant-herbivore-parasitoid interactions using as model a trophic network for the species present in the Guanacaste Conservation Area (Costa Rica). This project is related to the thematic project financed by FAPESP "INCT 2014: Hymenoptera Parasitoides" (Process 2014/50940-2). (AU)