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Hymenoptera of Canada.
Andrew M R Bennett1, Cory S Sheffield2, Jeremy R deWaard3
1Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes, K.W. Neatby Bldg., 960 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C6, Canada Canadian National Collection of Insects Ottawa Canada.
Zookeys
|February 5, 2019
Summary
The number of known Hymenoptera species in Canada has increased by 46% since 1979, with current estimates suggesting nearly 9,650 undescribed species may still exist. This research provides an updated summary of Hymenoptera diversity in Canada.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Zoology
- Biodiversity Science
Background:
- The Hymenoptera order, comprising ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies, is a crucial component of terrestrial ecosystems.
- Previous surveys in 1979 documented approximately 6,000 described species of Hymenoptera in Canada.
- Significant advancements in taxonomic research and DNA barcoding have occurred since the last comprehensive survey.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an updated summary of the number of described Hymenoptera species in Canada.
- To assess the current state of knowledge regarding Hymenoptera diversity and distribution.
- To identify newly recorded families and estimate the number of undescribed species.
Main Methods:
- Compilation of species records for 83 families of Hymenoptera across Canada.
- Analysis of data from the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) for DNA barcoding information.
- Comparison of current species numbers with historical data from 1979.
Main Results:
- A total of 8,757 described Hymenoptera species are now recorded in Canada, a 46% increase from 1979.
- Three families—Anaxyelidae, Liopteridae, and Mymarommatidae—have been newly recorded in Canada.
- Over 18,400 DNA barcode index numbers (BINs) suggest approximately 9,650 undescribed or unrecorded Hymenoptera species may be present.
Conclusions:
- The described Hymenoptera fauna in Canada has significantly increased, with the percentage of described species rising from 36% in 1979 to approximately 45% in 2018.
- Despite the increase in described species, a substantial number of Hymenoptera species remain undescribed, highlighting ongoing research needs.
- This study provides a critical baseline for future research on Canadian Hymenoptera biodiversity, taxonomy, and conservation.
