Revision of the Mesozoic genus Mesotipula Handlirsch (Limoniidae, Diptera) from Asia extending its evolutionary history up to the Cretaceous
Abstract
Genus Mesotipula (Limoniidae) has been recorded to date only from Jurassic localities. This paper presents results of investigation of the Asiatic species of the genus. New fossil finds from the Lower Cretaceous of Asia increase our knowledge about the evolution and distribution of this genus and prolong its history to the mid-Cretaceous. A new subgeneric classification is proposed and a new subgenus Mesotipula (Irenatipula) is hereby established. Three fossil species are described as new to science: M. (Irenatipula) undinella sp. nov. (Jurassic/Cretaceous boundary), M. (Metatipula) jacutica sp. nov. (Upper Jurassic/Lower Cretaceous) and M. (Metatipula) popovi sp. nov. (Lower Cretaceous); the diagnosis of M. (Irenatipula) brevicella is emended. The variation of the wing venation and its importance to the taxonomy of the group is discussed as well as parallel evolution of some venational characters.
- Publication:
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Cretaceous Research
- Pub Date:
- October 2020
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2020CrRes.11404504K
- Keywords:
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- Taxonomy;
- New subgenus;
- New species;
- Irenatipula;
- Metatipula;
- Parallel evolution