Paläodiversität und Evolution ausgewählter Phoridae von der Kreidezeit bis zum Holozän durch verschiedene Bernstein- und Kopalvorkommen
Zusammenfassung der Projektergebnisse
This project explored the evolutionary history and diversity of Phoridae, a globally distributed family of Diptera, by examining their fossil record in amber. Although 4,866 extant species across 315 genera have been recorded, true diversity may exceed 30,000 species. Phorids, typically small (0.4–6 mm), are easily recognized by their distinct thorax shape and wing venation. While abundant in the fossil record, their representation is likely lower than their actual fossil diversity. Amber fossils have provided remarkable insights into phorid evolution, yet several taxonomic challenges persist. Many species described before the 21st century suffer from vague or incorrect descriptions, inconsistent nomenclature hampers identification, Cretaceous genera remain poorly defined and require revision, and limited ecological data complicates evolutionary comparisons. Additionally, preservation challenges and specimen size have led to questionable classifications, with many species historically assigned to Phora, Megaselia, and †Prioriphora and now seen as broad, catch-all genera. To assess how robust our knowledge of Mesozoic and Cenozoic phorid diversity in amber and copal truly is, this project compiled a detailed catalogue of the Phoroidea superfamily, consolidating previously scattered data to facilitate future research. The dataset includes fossils from Phoridae, Lonchopteroidea, Opetiidae, Platypezidae, and Ironomyiidae, alongside corrections to taxonomic errors, information about where to find morphological descriptions, updates to synonymies, and details of amber localities and compression deposits. To investigate taxa distribution across different amber deposits and copal localities and determine whether patterns resemble modern distributions, the project also dedicated time to exploring new amber sites. A newly examined deposit in Ecuador provided valuable insights into Cretaceous arthropods in South America, though phorid flies were absent. To address this, the project assessed the factors influencing arthropod preservation—especially Diptera—in resin. Findings suggest that resin chemistry, influenced by tree species and environmental stress, plays a crucial role in arthropod entrapment. Despite large numbers of phorid flies being caught in sticky traps placed near resin-producing trees, fossilized inclusions lacked them, highlighting taphonomic biases. Palaeoecological and evolutionary interactions observed in rare amber pieces suggest that phorids played a significant necrophagous role during the Cretaceous, contrasting with ants' modern dominance in this niche. This aligns with their parasitic associations with Hymenoptera and Opiliones today. To refine our understanding of ancestral traits and relationships within the family, the project proposes a two-model wing venation system, integrating recent X-ray micro-computed tomography studies. Developing these models required a re-evaluation of fossil specimens to better define Phoridae’s diagnostic wing characteristics, addressing long-standing nomenclatural inconsistencies. This project bridges gaps in phorid taxonomy, paleoecology, and their preservation in the resin, laying a foundation for more future taxonomic, diversity, and phylogenetic analyses. The findings enhance our knowledge of Phoridae’s evolutionary success, contributing valuable insights to both dipterology and palaeoentomology.
Projektbezogene Publikationen (Auswahl)
-
A possible female of Postoptica Disney (Diptera: Phoridae) and a revised placement of the Termitoxeniinae. Oriental Insects, 58(1), 112-123.
Brown, Brian V.; Hash, John M. & Herbert, Mélanie C.M.
-
Necrophagy by insects in Oculudentavis and other lizard body fossils preserved in Cretaceous amber. Scientific Reports, 13(1).
Solórzano‑Kraemer, Mónica M.; Peñalver, Enrique; Herbert, Mélanie C. M.; Delclòs, Xavier; Brown, Brian V.; Aung, Nyi Nyi & Peretti, Adolf M.
-
Uncovering the evolutionary history of scuttle fly wings from the cretaceous to the present. 4th Palaeontological Virtual Congress, 8-22 May 2023
Herbert, M.C.M. Solórzano-Kraemer, M.M. & Brown, B.V.
-
Morphological and phylogenetic analysis of Phoridae wings (Diptera). 10th Dresden Meeting on Insect Phylogeny. 27–29 Sept. 2024, Dresden, Germany
Herbert, M. C. M. Nel, A., Brown, B.V., Boudinot, B. E. & Solórzano-Kraemer, M. M.
-
Recent discoveries and evolutionary history of scuttle flies (Diptera: Phoridae). The 9th International Conference on Fossil Insects, Arthropods and Amber - April 18–25, 2024 Xi’an, China
Herbert, M.C.M., Nel, A., Brown, B.V. & Solórzano-Kraemer, M.M.
-
Cretaceous amber of Ecuador unveils new insights into South America’s Gondwanan forests. Communications Earth & Environment, 6(1).
Delclòs, Xavier; Peñalver, Enrique; Jaramillo, Carlos; Cadena, Edwin; Menor-Salván, César; Román, José Luís; Castaño-Cardona, Rafael Francisco; Peris, David; Carvalho, Marcelo; Quiroz-Cabascango, Daniela; Carvalho, Mónica R.; Blomenkemper, Patrick; Herrera, Fabiany; Santamarina, Patricio; Santer, Maxime; Carrera, Galo & Solórzano-Kraemer, Mónica M.
-
Review of Wing Morphology in Fossil and Modern Species of Humpbacked Flies (Diptera: Phoridae). Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
Herbert, Mélanie C.M.; Nel, André; Brown, Brian V.; Arillo, Antonio; Boudinot, Brendon E. & Solórzano-Kraemer, Mónica M.
-
The role of actuotaphonomic studies in amber research. Fossil Insects - Bridging Past and Present. 22rd-25th May 2025, Kraków, Poland
Solórzano-Kraemer, M.M., Delclòs, X. & Peñalver, E.
