New fossil data and phylogenetic inferences shed light on the morphological disparity of Mesozoic Sinoalidae (Hemiptera, Cicadomorpha)

Like many fossil insect groups, the systematic framework of extinct ‘Homoptera’ is mainly based on venational traits of isolated wings; most taxa of Mesozoic Sinoalidae, however, were erected with whole-bodied specimens. On the basis of new fossil data and phylogenetic analyses, this froghopper family is herein chosen as a case study to discuss the potential influence of the absence and/or neglect of body information in palaeoentomological...