S. Mahunka szerk.: Folia Entomologica Hungarica 27/2. (Budapest, 1974)
If we examine the characteristics of two or more systematic groups (even at subspecific level) then relation must be sought primarily in the common recent features (synapomorphy) . The common ancient features (synplesiomorphy) may lead us astray, for old characteristics may have been preserved not only in the investigated group but in quite different groups, too, which are far from being in relation with our group. A thorough study of the group may show us that what has so far been considered synplesiomorphy is nothing better than an older synapomorphy. Owing to the fact that plesio- and apomorph characters are mixed we are able to follow with certainty the sequence of synapomorph features and by doing this we bring into our investigations the timefactor of recent geohistory. The sequence of synapomorph groups refers to a genetic association and as such they are the embodiment of phylogenetic relationships. The chronological sequence of synapomorph features is known as the evolutionary trend, the correct establishment of which gives us the real picture of the phylogenetic system. Evaluation of the characters The 150 years of research on Braconidae , but more especially the studies carried out in the past two-three decades in taxonomy, bionomics, physiology and ecology as well as in phylogenesis brought forward a huge number of observations. From this mass let us survey those apomorph characters which indicate an evolutionary trend in the phylogenesis of Braconidae : 1. There is an instinctive drive to parasitize the host in its earliest stage of development. - Braconidae are exclusively parasites, their larvae live in the larvae of various groups of insects (Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Heteroptera, Symphyta). A great proportion of Braconidae preserved the ancient plesiomorph feature to parasitize their host in their last instar stage. It is a recent apomorphy that there is an urge to parasitize the host in its earlier stages of development, even the eggs, and the most recent innovation is that the adult lives in the imago of its host. In the subfamily Cheloninae, the genera Triaspis , Ichneutes, in a few Apanteles and Microgaster species egg parasitism was observed. Imagoes are parasitized only by the members of the subfamily Euphorinae . 2. Changing over from ecto- to endoparasitism. - Braconidae are primarily ectoparasites, their eggs are laid pn the body of the paralyzed host. The hatched larvae attack and devour the host from the outside. This ancient (synplesiomorph) type is represented by the subfamilies Braconinae-Rogadinae (corresponding to the Cyclostomi ) (VTKTOROV 1959, CLAUSEN 1940). The host of the Cyclostomi ectoparasizes lives in wood (Cerambycidae , Scolytidae , Anobiidae ) therefore, the parasite has a long ovipositor generally at least as long as or longer than its body. The change-over to endoparasitism means that partly or entirely they lose their ability to paralyze their host and instead they parasitize now various groups of insects, like the larvae of Lepidoptera, Diptera, Heteroptera, etc. The eggs are laid with the help of the ovipositor in the body of the host. 3. Endoparasitic specialization on certain hosts. - It is common among Braconidae that certain species parasitize a wide selection of hosts. Parallel with the change-over from ecto- to endoparasitism a specialization in parasitism occurred. The majority of ecto-
