The phylogenetics of Tachinidae (Insecta: Diptera) with an emphasis on subfamily structure

Abstract

<p>The 10,000 species of the Tachinidae family are a specialized group of parasitoid flies that are used in biological control. However, little is known about the relationships with the family and how their parasitoid lifestyle arose. Using genetic techniques, a base level phylogeny was constructed for the major subfamilies and their relationships. Superfamily structure was also analyzed to provide clues to the evolution of the parasitoid lifestyle within the Tachinidae flies.</p>