Systematic Study of the Subfamily Isometopinae (Hemiptera: Miridae) With Insights From Fossil Taxa

• Published in: Zoologica scripta
• Main Authors: Kim, Junggon, Taszakowski, Artur, Herczek, Aleksander, Jung, Sunghoon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 30.07.2025
• ISSN: 0300-3256; 1463-6409
• DOI: 10.1111/zsc.70010

This study presents the first comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Isometopinae (Hemiptera: Miridae) based on both fossil and extant taxa, providing new insights into subfamily classification. Phylogenetic reconstructions were conducted using morphological data from 37 species, including seven fossil species, to evaluate the impact of fossil inclusion on the results. Comparisons between analyses with and without fossils revealed significant differences in inferred relationships. When fossils were excluded, Diphlebini was recovered as the earliest‐diverging lineage of Isometopinae. However, including fossil taxa placed Eocene amber fossils in earlier branching positions, prompting reassessment of tribal classification and evolutionary history. These findings underscore the crucial role of fossils in phylogenetic analyses, demonstrating their importance in refining relationships and reconstructing evolutionary and biogeographic histories. Our results confirm the monophyly of Isometopinae and most recognised tribes but indicate that Myiommini is non‐monophyletic, leading to the transfer of Corticoris to Isometopini. The study also establishes Electroisopini trib. n., a newly recognised tribe comprising Eocene fossils, as an early‐diverging lineage. Based on these results, we propose a revised classification of Isometopinae. This study provides a framework for understanding Isometopinae diversification and emphasises the need for future research incorporating fossil discoveries to refine its classification and evolutionary history.