Journal article
Ormyrus labotus (Hymenoptera: Ormyridae): Another Generalist That Should not be a Generalist is not a Generalist
Insect systematics and diversity, Vol.6(1), 8
01/01/2022
DOI: 10.1093/isd/ixac001
Abstract
Several recent reappraisals of supposed generalist parasite species have revealed hidden complexes of species, each with considerably narrower host ranges. Parasitic wasps that attack gall-forming insects on plants have life history strategies that are thought to promote specialization, and though many species are indeed highly specialized, others have been described as generalist parasites. Ormyrus labotus Walker (Hymenoptera: Ormyridae) is one such apparent generalist, with rearing records spanning more than 65 host galls associated with a diverse set of oak tree species and plant tissues. We pair a molecular approach with morphology, host ecology, and phenological data from across a wide geographic sample to test the hypothesis that this supposed generalist is actually a complex of several more specialized species. We find 16-18 putative species within the morphological species O. labotus, each reared from only 1-6 host gall types, though we identify no single unifying axis of specialization. We also find cryptic habitat specialists within two other named Ormyrus species. Our study suggests that caution should be applied when considering host ranges of parasitic insects described solely by morphological traits, particularly given their importance as biocontrol organisms and their role in biodiversity and evolutionary studies.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Ormyrus labotus (Hymenoptera: Ormyridae): Another Generalist That Should not be a Generalist is not a Generalist
- Creators
- Sofia Sheikh - University of IowaAnna K. G Ward - University of IowaY. Miles Zhang - National Museum of Natural HistoryCharles K Davis - Rice UniversityLinyi Zhang - Rice UniversityScott P Egan - Rice UniversityAndrew A Forbes - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Insect systematics and diversity, Vol.6(1), 8
- Publisher
- OXFORD UNIV PRESS INC
- DOI
- 10.1093/isd/ixac001
- eISSN
- 2399-3421
- Number of pages
- 14
- Grant note
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) fellowship James Van Allen Natural Sciences Fellowship Center for Global and Regional Environmental Research at the University of Iowa
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/01/2022
- Academic Unit
- Biology; University College Courses
- Record Identifier
- 9984230430502771
Metrics
20 Record Views