First representative of the genus Helius Lepeletier and Serville, 1828 (Diptera,Limoniidae) from the Lower Cretaceous Álava amber (Spain)

Helius alavensis sp. nov., one of the oldest representative of the genus Helius Lepeletier and Serville, 1828 (Diptera: Limoniidae), is described from the Álava amber (Lower Cretaceous, upper Albian), northern Spain. This is the first representative of the subfamily Limoniinae and of the genus Helius described from this fossil resin.     

New Species of Cretolimonia and Mesotipula (Diptera: Limoniidae) from the Middle Jurassic of Northeastern China

Two new species, Cretolimonia excelsa sp. nov. and Mesotipula gloriosa sp. nov., in Limoniidae of Diptera are described and illustrated, based on three fossil specimens with bodies and complete wings. These specimens were collected from the latest Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation at Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China. These are the first fossil records of these two genera from China.     

The Early Cretaceous evidence of rapid evolution of the genus Helius Lepeletier and Serville, 1828 (Limoniidae,Diptera)

Helius ewa sp. nov., one of the oldest representative of the genus Helius Lepeletier and Serville 1828 (Diptera: Limoniidae) from the Lebanese amber (Lower Cretaceous) is characterized, illustrated and described. The evidences of rapid evolution of the genus Helius are provided. The hypothesis on the origin of the evolution of this genus in Gondwana and the possibility of rapid radiation and expansion in Laurasia are discussed. A complete list of Cretaceous limoniids belonging to Helius is given.