Phylogenetics

I am very interesting in learning the evolutionary relationships of bees. Only with a robust phylogeny can we use comparative methods to study the evolutionary patterns and processes underlying bee behaviour, distribution, and diversity. I have used a phylogenetic approach to estimate the origins of eusocial behaviour and social parasitism in the Halictidae (see Publications). Halictid bees are ideal models for studying the origin and maintenance of social behaviour. No other taxon has the degree of social variation presen