Evolution of the semi-aquatic bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerromorpha) with a re-interpretation of the fossil record
Damgaard Jakob
Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae 48(2): 251-268, 2008
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Abstract: The fossil history of semi-aquatic bugs (Gerromorpha) is reviewed in light of
the many important recent records and new developments in our under- standing of
the phylogeny of the group. Based on the age of its sister group, the
Panheteroptera, the Gerromorpha probably extends back into the Triassic, even
though the oldest fossil forms assigned to the group are dubious. The recent
dis- covery of Cretogerris albianus Perrichot, Nel & Neraudeau, 2005 from
the Lower Cretaceous shows that all families were present in the Mesozoic, and
phylogenetic and biogeographic evidence suggest that most – perhaps all –
extant subfamilies were also present at that time. By comparison, the fossil
record of the families Hydrometridae and Gerridae is far richer than that of any
other family, which allows a more detailed interpretation of the phylogenetic
relationships among extinct and extant taxa of these two groups.
Key words: Heteroptera, Gerromorpha, water striders, phylogeny, amber, Mo clay, historical biogeography, ecological phylogenetics, phylogeography