Comparisons of dipteran, hymenopteran and coleopteran parasitoids: provisional phylogenetic explanations

We consider differences between dipteran, hymenopteran and coleopteran parasitoids in the following categories: taxonomic range and developmental stage of hosts attacked; habitats they are attacked in; developmental stage of the parasitoid contacting the host; occurrence of phoresy, and attacking hosts during flight. Using existing phylogenetic classifications we reconstruct possible ancestral conditions to the parasitoid clades in the three orders. By considering these as phylogenetic constraints and potentialities we attempt to account for the observed differences between the parasitoids within the orders.