Data from: Molecular phylogenetics of Braconidae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonoidea) based on multiple nuclear genes and implications for classification

This study examined subfamilial relationships within Braconidae, using 4kb
of sequence data for 139 taxa. Genetic sampling included previously used
markers for phylogenetic studies of Braconidae (28S and 18S rDNA) as well
as new nuclear protein-coding genes (CAD and ACC). Maximum likelihood and
Bayesian inference of the concatenated dataset recovered a robust
phylogeny, particularly for early divergences within the family. This
study focused primarily on non-cyclostome subfamilies, but the monophyly
of the cyclostome complex was strongly supported. There was evidence
supporting an independent clade, termed the aphidioid complex as sister to
the cyclostome complex of subfamilies. Maxfischeria was removed from
Helconinae and placed within its own subfamily within the aphidioid
complex. Most relationships within the cyclostome complex were poorly
supported, likely due to lower taxonomic sampling within this group.
Similar to other studies, there was strong support for the alysioid
subcomplex containing Gnamptodontinae, Alysiinae, Opiinae, and
Exothecinae. Cenocoeliinae was recovered as sister to all other
subfamilies within the euphoroid complex. Planitorus and Mannokeraia,
previously placed in Betylobraconinae and Masoninae, respectively, were
moved to the Euphorinae and may share a close affiliation with
Neoneurinae. Neoneurinae and Ecnomiinae were placed as tribes within
Euphorinae. A sister relationship between the microgastroid and sigalphoid
complexes was also recovered. Within the helconoid complex was a
well-supported lineage parasitic on lepidopteran larvae (macrocentroid
subcomplex). Helconini was raised to subfamily status and was recovered as
sister to the macrocentroid subcomplex. Blacinae was demoted to tribal
status and placed within the newly circumscribed subfamily Brachistinae,
which also contains the tribes Diospilini, Brulleiini, and Brachistini,
all formerly in Helconinae.