Convergent evolution, the independent emergence of similar traits across unrelated lineages due to shared environmental pressures, offers unique insights into adaptive evolution. In parasitoid Braconidae wasps, convergence is hypothesized to be driven by the diverse biological and ecological traits of their insect hosts, which are variable in their accessibility, life stage, and taxa. However, while host-driven convergence in Braconidae has been frequently noted, this is the first study to present a family-wide test of host-driven convergence and trait syndromes in Braconidae, integrating morphological and ecological data across diverse taxa on the most current and robust phylogeny. Our results demonstrate that host ecology is a driver of repeated morphological evolution in Braconidae, highlighting the predictability of adaptive strategies in parasitoid wasps. This research enhances understanding of host specialization, trait syndromes, and the role of convergence in Braconidae evolution, contributing to broader discussions of adaptive strategies and evolutionary innovation in parasitoid Hymenoptera.
Christina Watkins
Dr. Sharanowski, Advisor
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