Mezirinae
flat bugs
Genus Guides
6- Aphleboderrhis
- Brachyrhynchus
- Mezira(flat bugs)
- Nannium
- Neuroctenus(flat bugs)
- Notapictinus
Mezirinae is the largest of flat bugs (Aradidae), comprising over 1,120 described across 124 with global distribution. Members are primarily found under bark of decaying wood in forest . The subfamily includes both (fully winged) and brachypterous (short-winged) genera. Phylogenetic studies based on mitochondrial confirm Mezirinae as monophyletic and highly derived, sister to a clade containing Carventinae and Aneurinae.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mezirinae: /mɛzɪrˈiːnae/
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Habitat
Primarily inhabits the underbark of decaying wood in forested environments. Specific records include wet forests with decaying fallen wood and dead branch bark, at elevations such as 335m in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Distribution
Global distribution, with particular diversity in the Oriental region (over 57 ). Documented from China (Yunnan, Tibet), Myanmar (Burmese amber, Cenomanian), and Dominican Republic (Dominican amber, Miocene). Specific collection localities include Lushui (Sanhe Village, Yunnan) and Motuo County (Yigongbai Village, Dexing Town, Tibet Autonomous Region).
Diet
Has been observed to feed on the mycelia of rotting wood.
Behavior
Often lives in groups under bark.
Similar Taxa
- CarventinaeSister within Aradidae; distinguished by phylogenetic position and morphological traits not overlapping with Mezirinae's derived characteristics.
- AneurinaeSister to Carventinae in the clade sister to Mezirinae; phylogenetically distinct from the highly evolved Mezirinae lineage.
More Details
Phylogenetic Position
Mitochondrial studies confirm Mezirinae as monophyletic and highly evolved within Aradidae. Within the , such as Parayangiella form sister-group relationships with other Oriental genera like Yangiella.
Wing Polymorphism
The exhibits both and brachypterous , indicating variation in capability among its 124 described genera.
Fossil Record
Includes fossil from Cretaceous Burmese amber (Myanmezira, Cenomanian) and Miocene Dominican amber (Brevisensoria), indicating long evolutionary history and former broader distribution.