Diversity of selected groups of insects in Eocene - Miocene aquatic ecosystems of Europe: analysis of systematics and paleobiogeographical data

• Applicant: Dr. Arnold Staniczek
• Subject Area: Palaeontology
• Term: from 2012 to 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 212264940

Mayflies (Ephemeroptera), dragonflies, damselflies (Odonata) and stoneflies (Plecoptera) are basal representatives of winged insects (Pterygota). Due to their aquatic larvae, these taxa are obligatorily bound to freshwater and thus ideal model organisms to describe the diversity of aquatic paleo-ecosystems. Our model groups are ideal ecological indicator organisms and frequently preserved in Baltic amber, which would make possible a better understanding of European aquatic ecosystems from Eocene to Miocene. Essential for characterising past eco-systems however is the taxonomical knowledge of the fossil species composition, enabling reliable conclusions on past living conditions and their changes in time. The main objective of this project is to critically evaluate taxonomic data on the diversity of mayflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and stoneflies in freshwater paleo-ecosystems of Europe from Eocene to Miocene. It is aimed (1) to reinvestigate all available data on the systematics and taxonomy of basal aquatic pterygotes from European eocene-micene amber and sedimentary deposits, (2) to describe new species from these different deposits hosted in several European museums, (3) to compare the fossil species composition with the extant fauna, and (4) to gain new insights into paleo-ecology, biogeography and diversity of basal winged insects.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Czech Republic
• Partner Organisation: Czech Science Foundation
• Participating Persons: Dr. Günter Bechly; Dr. Roman Godunko; Dr. Tomás Soldán; Dr. Pavel Sroka