Fossil water‐penny beetles (Coleoptera: Psephenidae: Eubrianacinae) from the Eocene of Europe, with remarks on their phylogenetic position and biogeography

A new species of water-penny beetles (Coleoptera: Psephenidae: Eubrianacinae) from the Middle Eocene Messel Pit fossil site in Germany provides evidence that some parts of Lake Messel had stone-shore areas, indicating an autochthonous faunal element. The study analyzed multiple fossil specimens to infer the species' stratigraphic and spatial distribution but could not fully unravel its larval ontogeny due to preservational influences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed unresolved relationships within Eubrianacinae, suggesting that interpretations based solely on extant members may be misleading. The research also highlights the historical biogeography of Psephenidae, showing that fossil records extend beyond their current distribution range.

WEDMANN, S., HÖRNSCHEMEYER, T., & SCHMIED, H. (2011). Fossil water‐penny beetles (Coleoptera: Psephenidae: Eubrianacinae) from the Eocene of Europe, with remarks on their phylogenetic position and biogeography. Palaeontology, 54(5), 965–980. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1475-4983.2011.01088.x