On the systematic position of Cretothereva (Diptera, Therevidae): criticism versus evidence

Abstract

ABSTRACT An extinct genus and species of Diptera – Cretothereva antiqua – has recently been described from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil (Crato Formation). The fossil has been assigned to the family Therevidae and, according to its authors, would represent the oldest known member of the family of the entire Therevoid clade, with important implications for the evolutionary history of the group. A recent paper written by several Diptera experts challenges the systematic position of Cretothereva antiqua, but without a detailed assessment of the evidences. The evidence for the systematic position of this important fossil is reassessed. We argue that criticism of scientific hypotheses must be based on formal discussion of evidence, not based only on conjecture.