A phylogenetic character analysis of the wing venation within Apocrita (Hymenoptera) was conducted in order to examine the phylogenetic significance of wing characters. The venational data were then combined with published studies of other character suites to produce a hypothesis of phylogenetic relationships among apocritan superfamilies and families. Whereas the cladograms obtained from the collection of papers on character suites provide strong support for the sister group relationship between Orussidae and Apocrita, the ones derived from wing venation did not establish such a relationship, although they provided more support for relationships within Apocrita. A ground plan is proposed for the wing venation of each taxon examined; for Apocrita, it is close to the groundplan established for Aculeata. The variability of wing venation is higher between and within apocritan taxa than in Symphyta. This research confirms that groupings such as the Symphyta, Siricoidea, Evanioidea and possibly the Proctorupoidea are artificial.

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