Project Number: 5428-21000-013-13
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Feb 15, 2008
End Date: Jan 31, 2012

Objective:
To produce a phylogenetic framework for the bee family Megachilidae, a generic/subgeneric framework for the tribe Anthidiini (carder and resin bees), revise the largest genera of this tribe, and develop a web-based digital library of the results. Revisions of important pollinators in the family Megachilidae adn their cleptoparasites will be produced. Web-based identification guides for the Anthidiini will be produced to aid pollination research.

Approach:
A combined molecular and morphological analysis of relationships across the family Megachilidae and within the tribe Anthidiini will be used to develop well supported phylogenies. Revisionary studies at the species level will utilize standard systematic methodologies. Web-based keys will be generated using existing software (e.g. Lucid, DiscoverLife) that are well illustrated using close-up images generated with imaging software.