Disjunct biogeographic patterns of similar species remain enigmatic within evolutionary biology. Disparate distributions typically reflect species responses to major historical events including past climate change, tectonics, dispersal, and local extinction.
The functional morphology of the male caudal clasping apparatus of Zygoptera is compared to that of Epiophlebia superstes (Anisozygoptera) and Anisoptera. Hypotheses concerning the mechanics and muscle functions have been advanced by parallel construction of mechanical working models. The evolution of the clasping apparatus and the tandem linkage shifting – from the female pronotum to…