Identification and Biology of Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera)
Location Tel Aviv University
Instructor: Prof. John Heraty and Jason Mottern
John Heraty is a Professor at the University of California, Riverside (USA) with more than 40 years of experience working in biological control and the classification and evolution of Chalcidoidea. His specialization is on morphological and molecular systematics of Aphelinidae (parasitoids of aphids, whiteflies and scale insects) and Eucharitidae (parasitoids of ants).
Jason Mottern is a PhD student at the University of California, Riverside (USA) researching the molecular and morphological systematics of Aphelinidae.
Israeli Host: Prof. Dan Gerling, Tel Aviv University
Dates:13-17 May, 2012
Hours:9-15, daily
Prerequisites: none
Grading: Students will be tested on their ability to sight identify parasitoid Hymenoptera to superfamily (15%), use available identification keys to identify Chalcidoidea to family (30%), demonstrate an understanding of biology of the families of Chalcidoidea (written test, 30%), and mount, label and identify a series of 25 Chalcidoidea (25%).
Course Materials Needed: Hymenoptera of the World (free pdf available). Basic collecting supplies (list provided).
Course Description:
This one-week short course focuses on the biology and identification of parasitoids belonging to the Chalcidoidea. These minute wasps (usually 2-4 mm in size) are extremely diverse, with 19 families and more than 500,000 species estimated, making it the most diverse superfamily of insects. Because of their parasitic habits, economically and ecologically they are important in the control of insects in both natural and agricultural systems. This xx credit laboratory/lecture course is devoted to understanding parasitoid biology, with hands-on experience involving field collecting, museum curation techniques, and identification of these minute parasitoids. This course is of interest to researchers in field ecology, biological control, integrated pest management, or entomology in general.
Course Outline:
Sunday
9-12 AM
o Welcome statements.
o Introduction to Hymenoptera, ecological and biocontrol importance.
o Preservation methods for field samples. To sequence or not to sequence?
o Collecting, labeling and databasing techniques. Basic microscopy techniques.
12:30-3 PM
o Field trip to botanical garden: collect sweep, rearing and trap samples (1.5 hours)
o Return to lab for initial processing and labeling. Set up rearing samples.
Monday:
9-12 AM
o Introduction to major groups of Hymenoptera and Chalcidoidea.
o Hymenopteran morphology – what to look for.
o Separating small parasitoids of agricultural importance (Platygastroidea, Ceraphronoidea, Chalcidoidea). Identification keys and site recognition.
12:30-3 PM (rotation in small groups)
o Drying techniques for specimens from alcohol. When to dry? Why dry?
o Point and card mounting of parasitic Hymenoptera.
o Sorting field collection samples to superfamily in lab.
o Use keys to identify specimens to superfamily.
Tuesday:
9-12 AM
o Morphology of Chalcidoidea.
o Identification, biology and economic importance of Chalcidoidea by family.
12:30-3 PM
o Laboratory identification to family (laboratory)
o Sight id exam to superfamily (2:45-3 PM)
Wednesday:
9-12 AM
o Identification, biology and economic importance of Chalcidoidea by family (continued).
o Molecular methods for identification and phylogeny, use and abuse.
o Laboratory identification to family (laboratory).
12:30-3 PM
o Laboratory identification to family (laboratory).
o Slide mounting demonstration and practice.
Thursday:
9-12 AM
o Test for family identification (using keys) and biology test (hosts and attributes).
o Finish mounting and labeling specimens for test credit.
12:30-3 PM
o Indentifying genera of Aphelinidae – characters and keys
o Identification of genera using keys.
o Summary and discussion.