Abstract
A substantial sample of the parasitoid wasp family Aulacidae was examined for external morphological characters in the adults that might serve to facilitate ovipositing in and emerging from wood. The character evolution of these traits was evaluated by tracing them on a recently published phylogeny, and their functional anatomy is discussed. Various features might serve as ovipositor guides or to help remove debris during emergence from the wood, and/or to protect vulnerable body parts during emergence. It is possible to infer collaboration between different body parts to achieve the successful completion of these crucial life history stages. Variation among the taxa examined indicates that the contribution of the individual body parts to complete these tasks in some instances have changed during the evolution of the Aulacidae.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Hymenoptera Research |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 244-258 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| ISSN | 1070-9428 |
| Publication status | Published - Oct 2010 |