Two Species of Pimpla Wasps Identified
Author Information
Author(s): Anu Veijalainen, Gavin R. Broad, Niklas Wahlberg, John T. Longino, Ilari E. Sääksjärvi
Primary Institution: University of Turku
Hypothesis
The specimens identified as Pimpla croceipes represent a complex of species morphologically close to one another.
Conclusion
The study confirms that Pimpla croceipes and Pimpla molesta are two distinct species that co-occur in Central America.
Supporting Evidence
- The DNA barcoding results clearly group the specimens into two distinct species.
- The two species differed from each other by 9.9% in genetic distance.
- Both species were found in cloud forests at mid-elevations.
- Integrating DNA barcoding with morphological identification proved effective in separating the species.
Takeaway
Scientists found out that what was thought to be one type of wasp is actually two different types that look very similar.
Methodology
The study used DNA barcoding and morphological examination to identify the wasp species.
Potential Biases
Sampling efficiency may be influenced by trap positioning, and many ichneumonid species are rare.
Limitations
The ecological information could not entirely predict the identity of the specimens as the distribution areas of the two species overlap.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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