The many lineages of a unnatural grouping: The evolution of the parasitoid wasp genus Bassus (Braconidae: Agathidinae) in Australia. Nick Stevens: Ph.D. project Centre for Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity, The University of Adelaide. Supervisors: Dr N. Murphy, Prof A. Austin & Dr J. Jennings
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
The many lineages of a unnatural grouping:The evolution of the parasitoid wasp genus Bassus
(Braconidae: Agathidinae) in Australia. Nick Stevens: Ph.D. project
Centre for Evolutionary Biology & Biodiversity, The University of Adelaide.
Supervisors: Dr N. Murphy, Prof A. Austin & Dr J. Jennings
The Agathidinae
> 1200 described species in > 50 genera worldwide.
Occur in tropical/subtropical to temperate, subarctic, & arid environments.
Monophyletic, BUT present tribal classification & many generic concepts not natural - Sharkey et al. (2006)
Generic & species diversity greater in more tropical regions
Agathidine Biology
Mostly concealed hosts:e.g. leaf curlers or stem borers.
Oviposition into ganglion of 1st or 2nd instars.
If host free living foragers then usually nocturnal.
Endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae
Important natural regulators of lepidopteran populations.
Numerous species used in biological control programs.
Definition: simulation by an organism (the mimic) of signal properties of another organism (the model) that are perceived as signals of interest by a third living organism (operator/signal-receiver; eg potential predator), such that the mimic gains in fitness as a result of the signal-receiver identifying it as an example of the model (Vane-Wright 1980)
Mimic Model
MimicryMimics not always the potential prey.
Signal-receiver
Mimic Model
Mimicry Classification
ModelBatesian mimic
Batesian mimicryMullerian mimicry Strengthen signal, therefore both
model and mimic benefit;eg mimic unpalatable.
Proven or suspected mullerian mimics often referred to as co-models.
Reduce effectiveness of signal, therefore not beneficial for model; eg mimic palatable. Be selected to exist at lower densities than models.
Mullerian mimic
co-models
Mimicry Rings Evolution of similar colour patterns among sympatric species = mimicry
ring / complex. Many butterfly mimicry complexes studied & considered to consist
predominately of mullerian mimics Mutually beneficial because share burden of educating predators.
HOWEVER, not always so clear cut. Variation within species can exist; eg different toxin levels of host plant.
Toxic = unpalatable
Model
Non-toxic = palatable
Mimic
Empirical data suggests variations in unprofitability/profitability of models/mimics enhances & maintains predator education & subsequent avoidance (Skelhorn and Rowe 2005) .
“Life is like a box of chocolates …..” (Gump 1998)
- convergence of non-wasp members on wasp body form
Males: Models or mimics ?
Toxins ? Derived from plant feeding hosts ?
Generic Outline of Australian fauna Recognised This study Distribution No. spp.Agathis = Bassus spp. NA NABassus widespread ~ 150-160Biroia northern <5Braunsia northern <5Cremnops northern ~ 20-30Disophrys northern ~ 20-30Euagathis northern <5Orgiloneura syn. nov Bassus NA NAPlatyagathis syn. nov Disophrys Southwest NA
NFSA (Nature Foundation of South Australia)Australian & international insect collection staff
- in particular QM & ANICFellow lab-groupians (past & present); Danielle Carey, LachlanFarrington, Michelle Guzik, Tim Moulds, Katherine Muirhead, Cate Paull, & last but certainly not least, Claire Stephens.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH
Described Bassus species in Australia Previous generic placement Bassus aalvikorum Stevens sp. nov. B. antipoda (Ashmead, 1900) comb. nov. Orgiloneura B. dimidiata (Brullé, 1846) comb. nov. Agathis B. festinata (Turner, 1918) B. fleurieuensis Stevens sp. nov. B. latibalteata (Cameron, 1906) comb. nov. Agathis B. leucogaster (Holmgren, 1868) comb. nov. Agathis B. maligna (Turner, 1918) B. martialis (Turner, 1918) B. meridionalis (Turner, 1918) B. minima (Turner, 1918) B. minor (Szépligeti, 1905) B. pedunculatus (Szépligeti, 1905) B. ruficeps (Szépligeti, 1905) B. rufipes (Nees von Esenbeck, 1814) B. rufithorax (Turner, 1918) B. rufobrunnea (Turner, 1918) B. rugosa (Turner, 1918) B. tenuissima (Turner, 1918) syn. nov. B. ruficeps B. tigris Stevens sp. nov. B. tricolor (Szépligeti, 1905) B. unimaculata (Turner, 1918) B. xanthopsis (Turner, 1918)