Eskov K.Yu., Lukashevich E.D. 2015. On the history of ranges of two relict nematoceran families, Ptychopteridae and Tanyderidae (Insecta: Diptera): a biogeographical puzzle // Russian Entomol. J. Vol.24. No.3: 257–270 [in English].

Borissiak Palaeontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia. afranius999@gmail.ru , elukashevich@hotmail.com

KEY WORDS: palaeobiogeography, Mesozoic, Gondwanaland, fossils, zonal stratification.

ABSTRACT. The relict dipteran families Ptychopteridae and Tanyderidae, both dating to the Mesozoic, have similar known fossil records but surprisingly dissimilar modern ranges. The difference is hard to interpret by considering the Mesozoic and Early Cenozoic plate tectonics alone. Climatic and ecosystem changes during the Early Paleogene (shifting from an equable to a zonal global climate) combined with extinction throughout most of the original range played a greater role in shaping these ranges than plate tectonics.

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