Minute and diverse in fossil sticky stuff: Tanytarsini (Diptera: Chironomidae) from early Eocene Indian Cambay amber. Issue 4 (3rd January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zakrzewska, Marta; Singh, Hukam; Wagner-Wysiecka, Ewa; Giłka, Wojciech
• Is Part Of: Zoological journal of the Linnean Society. Volume 189:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 1398
• Page End: 1425
• Publication Date: 2020-01-03
• Subjects: amber identification -- Eocene -- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy -- new species -- non-biting midges -- systematics; Zoology -- Periodicals; 590
• DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlz159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0024-4082

Abstract

Abstract: We here present a pioneering systematic review of fossil dipterans of the tribe Tanytarsini (family Chironomidae) discovered in Indian amber from Cambay. The specimens examined belong to five species: Gujaratomyia miripes, Stempellina stebneri sp. nov., Stempellinella pollex sp. nov., Tanytarsus forfex sp. nov. and Tanytarsus ramus sp. nov., which are described. All species belong to the oldest known Tanytarsini and come from the Cambay shale formation in Tadkeshwar, dated to the early Eocene (~54 Mya). Displaying unusual characters/structures of diagnostic and phylogenetic importance, the specimens studied are discussed against the background of the evolution and systematics of the oldest fossil (Eocene) and extant representatives in the tribe. An updated checklist and key to the identification of genera and species of Tanytarsini from Eocene amber is also provided. The spectral characteristics and physical properties of Cambay amber are similar to those of glessite resins, which are discussed in detail in order to substantiate the identity of the amber and the origin of the inclusions studied.