Review of wing morphology in fossil and modern species of humpbacked flies (Diptera: Phoridae).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The wing veins of known fossil and living phorids are reduced, making them difficult to homologise. Consequently, different interpretations have led to much confusion over the years. However, veins are crucial for phylogenetic and taxonomy studies, especially for fossils. We addressed these challenges by studying Cretaceous specimens, which exhibit fewer reductions in wing veins compared to modern fauna, along with post-Cretaceous specimens that display recent wing patterns. Furthermore, we examined related families such as Ironomyiidae, Platypezidae, Opetiidae, and Lonchopteridae to show wing similarities to the Phoridae.

Results

We propose two wing models that include the majority of veins found in each taxon. The early model (Phoridae sensu lato, including Scia

SUBMITTER: Herbert MCM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12505603 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature