University of Kentucky,
Department of Entomology,
S-225 Ag. Science Center North,
Lexington, KY 40546, kmpitz2@uky.edu

Bachelor of Science in Biology, Millikin University, Decatur, IL (2001)

Expertise and Research Interests

Systematics and taxonomy of Braconid wasps

Current Research

I am currently working on a revision of the subfamily Cenocoeliinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).  The generic limits of this group are poorly defined, resulting in paraphyletic genera.  We plan to resolve these paraphyletic divisions and define genera on the basis of monophyly.  After defining the limits of each genera, we plan to revise all New World species in this group.  I will be working with the genus Capitonius, which is only know from the neotropics as the genus is defined now.  I will use both morphological and molecular analyses to produce a phylogeny of this group.  When we have produced phylogenies for this subfamily, we will investigate the evolution of unique oviposition mechanisms in this group of parasitoids.  Also, we will examine the history of the mimetic complex of which these wasps are members, hoping to elucidate the possibilities of it's origins by cospeciation or convergent evolution.

Future Research

Four intensive years on my dissertation project

Memberships

Entomological Society of America (1999)
Phi Kappa Phi National Honors Fraternity (2001)
 

Laboratory

Dr. Michael Sharkey