Paraphyletic
Guides
Ameronothroidea
Ameronothroidea is a paraphyletic assemblage of oribatid mites comprising approximately 130 species across five families. Contrary to previous classifications as a monophyletic superfamily, molecular evidence demonstrates that the marine-associated lifestyle evolved independently three times: Fortuyniidae and Selenoribatidae in tropical and subtropical intertidal zones (Triassic-Jurassic, ~225–146 mya), Ameronothridae in northern cold-temperate and polar coasts (late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous), and Podacaridae in southern cold-temperate and polar coasts (Early Cretaceous, ~30 my later). Tegeocranellidae represents a limnic (freshwater) lineage without marine association. These mites are strictly intertidal, exhibiting low dispersal potential and strong biogeographic structure correlated with ocean currents and continental history.
Chrysotimus
Chrysotimus is a genus of long-legged flies (family Dolichopodidae) established by Loew in 1857. It has a cosmopolitan distribution with records from Europe, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The genus is likely paraphyletic with respect to several geographically restricted genera such as Alishanimyia. Some species previously or alternatively placed in Chrysotimus have been reassigned to related genera like Guzeriplia.
Dactylotini
Dactylotini is a tribe of grasshoppers within the subfamily Melanoplinae (family Acrididae). Members are primarily distributed in Mexico and Central America. The tribe was found to be paraphyletic in molecular phylogenetic studies due to the placement of Hesperotettix. The genus Liladownsia, described in 2014 from Oaxaca, Mexico, represents one of the more recently described members of this group.
Gammaridea
Gammaridea was historically recognized as a suborder of Amphipoda encompassing approximately 7,275 species (92% of described amphipods) across ~1,000 genera and ~125 families. The group included nearly all freshwater amphipods alongside numerous marine species. Taxonomic revisions by Lowry and Myers (2003–2017) demonstrated that Gammaridea was paraphyletic, leading to its deconstruction into new suborders: Corophiidea (2003), Senticaudata (2013), and Amphilochoidea (2017). The name Gammaridea is no longer recognized as a valid taxon in current amphipod classification.
Hemerobiiformia
Lacewings and Allies
Hemerobiiformia is a suborder of Neuroptera comprising lacewings, mantidflies, and related families. Traditional classifications grouped these insects separately from antlions and owlflies (Myrmeleontiformia), but 2014 phylogenetic studies using mitochondrial DNA revealed Hemerobiiformia to be paraphyletic, with some lineages more closely related to Myrmeleontiformia than to other Hemerobiiformia. The Osmyloidea, previously placed here, appears to represent a basal lineage outside both groups. The suborder includes families such as Hemerobiidae (brown lacewings), Chrysopidae (green lacewings), and Mantispidae (mantidflies).
Hirtodrosophila
Hirtodrosophila is a genus of fruit flies in the family Drosophilidae, elevated from subgenus status within Drosophila by Grimaldi in 1990. The genus comprises approximately 150 described species divided into ten species groups, with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. Most species are mycophagous, with larvae feeding on fungi, though at least one species has evolved predatory behavior on frog embryos. The genus belongs to the monophyletic Zygothrica genus group of mycophagous drosophilids, though Hirtodrosophila itself is paraphyletic.
Limoniidae
Limoniid Crane Flies, Limoniidae, Short-palped Crane Flies
Limoniidae is the largest family of crane flies, comprising over 10,700 species in more than 150 genera. Members are distinguished from other crane flies primarily by their wing posture at rest: wings are typically held folded along the body rather than perpendicular to it. The family includes notable wingless snow flies in the genus Chionea, which are active in winter. Limoniids are generally smaller than other crane flies and occupy diverse habitats worldwide. Recent phylogenetic studies indicate the family is paraphyletic, with some limoniids more closely related to Tipulidae and Cylindrotomidae than to other limoniids.
Nylanderia austroccidua
Nylanderia austroccidua is a species of ant in the subfamily Formicinae, originally described from a widespread distribution ranging from Utah to Costa Rica. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs) revealed that specimens matching the original description are paraphyletic with respect to Nearctic Nylanderia species, indicating the original concept encompassed multiple cryptic lineages. The species belongs to American Clade I (AC1), a group that includes a Neotropical subclade extending into Mesoamerica. An updated taxonomic description was published in 2024 as part of a revision that described eight new Nylanderia species from the region.
Philopotamoidea
Philopotamoidea is a superfamily of caddisflies (order Trichoptera) comprising two families: Philopotamidae and Stenopsychidae. The superfamily is considered paraphyletic in current phylogenetic treatments. Members are aquatic insects with larval stages inhabiting freshwater environments. The group is recognized by morphological features of adult mouthparts and larval case construction.
Protapanteles
Protapanteles is a genus of braconid wasps in the subfamily Microgastrinae, containing more than 20 described species distributed mainly in the Holarctic region. Species are koinobiont endoparasitoids of lepidopteran larvae, with documented hosts including geometrid moths and nymphalid butterflies. Some species, particularly P. immunis, have been investigated for biological control of agricultural pests. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with phylogenetic studies indicating paraphyly and close relationships with Cotesia.
Protorthoptera
Protorthoptera is an extinct order of Palaeozoic insects first appearing in the Middle Carboniferous (late Serpukhovian or early Bashkirian). It represents a paraphyletic assemblage of basal neopteran insects rather than a true monophyletic group. The order includes the ancestors of all other polyneopterous insects. Pronotal lobes in some forms were expanded to form a shield-like structure.
Rhantus
Rhantus is a genus of predaceous diving beetles (Dytiscidae) comprising approximately 100 species with worldwide distribution. Members of this genus are primarily associated with lentic freshwater habitats, particularly pools and marshy wetlands. The genus is currently recognized as paraphyletic; taxonomic revision is anticipated following 2017 research that transferred 17 species to newly established genera (Nartus, Meridiorhantus, Caperhantus, and Carabdytes). Several species have independently colonized oceanic islands and undergone endemic diversification.
Tethininae
Beach Flies
Tethininae is a subfamily of tiny acalyptrate flies within Canacidae, comprising over 115 species across seven genera. Formerly treated as family Tethinidae, the group is now recognized as paraphyletic. These drab-colored flies are strongly associated with maritime habitats, particularly intertidal zones and rotting seaweed accumulations. Despite their global distribution across all zoogeographic regions, many tropical species remain poorly documented.
Thripinae
Thripinae is a subfamily of thrips (order Thysanoptera, family Thripidae) comprising approximately 1,400 species across 150 genera. The subfamily contains the majority of economically significant pest thrips, including species that damage crops through direct feeding and virus transmission. A 2012 molecular phylogeny found Thripinae to be paraphyletic, indicating that taxonomic revisions are needed to clarify relationships within the group. Members are distributed worldwide, with particularly high diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.