Pompilid Project
Introduction
Welcome
to our project site on Pompilidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera; spider
wasps) systematics and evolution. This site is maintained at the
Department of Biology, Utah State University, and derives from a
collaboration of three scientists begun in 2003. Our ultimate aim
is to facilitate
further research on the evolution, ecology, and systematics of Pompilidae.
The specific goals of this project are to:
- Develop
data sets of phylogenetically informative characters from morphology,
including novel characters, and gene sequences, including mitochondrial
and nuclear markers
- Test
existing phylogenetic hypotheses (and likely propose new hypotheses)
of the relationships between higher-level taxa, genera, and selected
species, with combined morphological and molecular data
- Use
phylogenies to test hypothesized patterns in (1) evolution of behavior
(nesting, prey handling) and (2) historical biogeography, both at
a global scale and also within the Neartic desert regions and the
Mexican highlands.
- Estimate
the ages and diversification rates of various lineages
- Compile
and organize the scattered taxonomic literature on Pompilidae to
make it accessible to other researchers
- Create
a generic catalog and species catalog for the world fauna
- Compile
existing keys and develop new keys for the world genera; develop
species keys in conjunction with generic revisions
- Develop
web-based identification tools, including electronic images of whole,
preserved specimens and key characters
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