Leptoconops (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae), the earliest extant lineage of biting midge, discovered in 120-122 million-year-old Lebanese amber. American Museum novitates ; no. 3328
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Date
2001
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New York, NY : American Museum of Natural History
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DOI
Abstract
As predicted by phylogenetic patterns, the genus Leptoconops Skuse is recorded for the first time from Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber, dated at 120-122 million years. Two species are described as new: L. amplificatus, known from 1 male and 11 females, and L. antiquus, known from 2 females. These likely represent the earliest lineage(s) within the genus and are placed in a new subgenus, Palaeoconops. Previous analysis of Lebanese amber Ceratopogonidae (22 species, 126 specimens) indicated that these specimens represent a past community with high species diversity but with a low abundance of individual species. Leptoconops amplificatus is the first of 24 species of Ceratopogonidae known from this deposit to have intraspecific associations in a single piece of amber, likely reflecting their restriction to ancient beach habitats.
Description
11 p. : ill. ; 26 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 11).
Includes bibliographical references (p. 11).
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