Relict-genus
Guides
Caurinus tlagu
snow scorpionfly
Caurinus tlagu is a minute scorpionfly in the family Boreidae, described in 2013 from Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. It is the second known species in the genus Caurinus, a relict group whose fossil record extends to the Jurassic period over 145 million years ago. The species has been proposed as potentially illuminating the evolutionary origins of fleas due to its morphological similarities and phylogenetic position.
Neduba
shield-back katydid
Neduba is a genus of shield-back katydids (Tettigoniidae) endemic to North America. The genus comprises 21 described species, including one extinct species (N. extincta). A 2021 revision established species boundaries using molecular phylogenetics, morphology, quantitative analysis of calling songs, and karyotypes. The group represents a relict lineage whose diversification reflects cycles of allopatric isolation and secondary contact in western North America.
Neduba macneilli
MacNeill's Shieldback
Neduba macneilli is a shield-backed katydid endemic to western North America. It belongs to a relict genus whose diversification reflects cycles of allopatric isolation and secondary contact associated with the evolving geography of the region. The species was redescribed in a 2021 revision that used molecular phylogenetics, morphology, calling song analysis, and karyotypes to define species boundaries. Like other Neduba species, it has been documented as prey for the Great Golden Digger wasp (Sphex ichneumoneus).
Osphya
false darkling beetles
Osphya is a genus of false darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Melandryidae: Osphyinae) comprising approximately seven to ten described species. The genus originated in the mid-Cretaceous and exhibits a discontinuous, uneven distribution across the Northern Hemisphere, with highest species richness in the Mediterranean region of Europe. It is considered a relict insect group with conservative ecological preferences.