Multi-gene phylogeny and divergence estimations for Evaniidae (Hymenoptera)

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Molecular Phylogenetics

Background:

• Ensign wasps (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae) are globally distributed cockroach egg parasitoids with complex taxonomy.
• Previous phylogenetic studies lacked robustness, hindering higher-level classification revisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a robust phylogeny for Evaniidae using comprehensive molecular data.
• To stabilize and facilitate taxonomic revisions within the ensign wasp family.
• To estimate divergence times and identify molecular markers for taxonomic diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Phylogenetic reconstruction using six molecular markers (mitochondrial 16S, COI; nuclear 28S, RPS23, CAD, AM2).
• Utilized molecular motifs, including an intron in RPS23 fragments, for clade diagnosis.
• Estimated divergence times with multiple fossil calibrations.

Main Results:

• A robust phylogeny with improved monophyly and higher-level resolution was recovered.
• Molecular motifs, such as the RPS23 intron, proved useful for taxonomic classification.
• Evaniidae radiation occurred in the Early Cretaceous, with most genera diverging near the K-T boundary.

Conclusions:

• The new phylogeny supports taxonomic changes, merging Parevania and Papatuka into Zeuxevania, and Acanthinevania into Szepligetella.
• Thirty species were transferred to Zeuxevania and 20 to Szepligetella, reflecting revised taxonomic understanding.
• This study provides a stable phylogenetic framework for future ensign wasp research and classification.