Date of Award:

5-2014

Document Type:

Dissertation

Degree Name:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department:

Biology

Committee Chair(s)

James P. Pitts

Committee

James P. Pitts

Committee

Carol D. von Dohlen

Committee

Paul G. Wolf

Committee

Diane G. Alston

Committee

Karen E. Mock

Committee

James P. Strange

Abstract

Spider wasps form a diverse and widespread group of stinging wasps. Although all Pompilidae have similar life history characteristics, there is considerable variation in nesting behavior modes and, thus, this family could be useful for learning about the evolution of nesting behavior in insects. The nesting behavior of many species is well known, the family is monophyletic and easily recognized, and certain species have some degree of pre-sociality, i.e., communal nesting. All these factors suggest that the Pompilidae are an important model group for understanding mechanisms and patterns of behavioral evolution.

Pompilidae, however, are rarely studied and their research potential is drastically hindered by lack of phylogenetic and taxonomic data. In this dissertation, I sought to overcome the poor resolution of the systematics of the family by reconstructing relationships using molecular data. I obtained DNA from numerous spider wasp specimens and analyzed five nuclear and one mitochondrial marker using Bayesian, maximum likelihood and stochatisc statistical methods implemented in several computer programs. These resolved phylogenies allowed me to provide new nomenclature based on robust phylogenetic analyses. The taxonomy of Pompilidae is in urgent need of revision at all levels, and dependent upon the high level of morphological convergence observed. Overall, I have described 12 new species and proposed nine synonyms and 11 new combinations; I have revalidated one generic status and proposed two new subfamilies in this dissertation. Moreover, spider wasps were determined to be more recently evolved than previous studies suggest, dating from the Paleogene. My results revealed several examples of morphological convergence, probably due to similar behavioral habits. I have found that spider wasps are also good models for biogeographic studies, and unexpected phylogenetic patterns of evolution, such as reversions and multiple origins, were observed in nesting behavior in Ageniellini. Constructing nests with mud is a key innovation in the group, present in the members of the diverse Auplopodina sub-tribe. Understanding complex spider wasp nesting and prey carrying behavior will improve understanding of crucial first steps needed for hymenopterans to evolve sociality.

Checksum

4e6a3b75ce9a9940f9d25fdbdbcdacb9

Download

Included in

Biology Commons

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .