On the divergence of Psocidae (Psocodea, Psocomorpha): Fossils or biogeography

With more than 900 valid species, Psocidae is the most diverse family of psocodeans. Even though the availability of molecular has allowed hypothesizing on the phylogenetic relations for the different lineages, the evolutionary timing is still poorly discussed and the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on their diversification is hitherto unknown. In this paper, we aim to test the temporal congruence of three evidences (i.e., two fossils and one biogeographical constraint), and discuss the correlation between clade’s age and other major events (e.g., geological, ecological). We found that family Psocidae likely diverged during the Mesozoic – Paleozoic transition. Moreover, the subsequent splits of the major sub-lineages occurred in a short time interval between 68 to 77 Mya. These dates also correspond to diversification shifts in multiple angiosperm lineages and the increase in global temperature.