Insect phylogeny

[papaj at u.arizona.edu]

In article <004201beda90$8da37c40$c49ec9a5 at JimM.wp.state.ks.us>,
jmason at ink.org wrote:

> Here's one for the systematics folks to chew on.
> 
> What is the currently accepted version of the phylogeny of the insects and
> what is the evidence for it?  Has the fossil record been elucidated very
> much or is it all based on assuming that any insect with an aquatic larval
> form is more primitive than one with a terrestrial larval form?
> 
> This may be too broad for the Leps list, so if someone can suggest an
> entomology forum for this posting, feel free.  I am interested to find out
> what has guided the determination that Scorpion Flies are "more advanced"
> than Beetles, why are Fleas considered to be at the top of the heap, etc.
> 
> Jim Mason, Naturalist
> jmason at ink.org
> (316) 683-5499 x103
> Great Plains Nature Center
> 6232 E. 29th St. N.
> Wichita, KS 67220-2200
> http://www.gpnc.org

Jim,

Just to let you know, if you don't already, about the "Tree of Life"
project on the web, run by David & Wayne Maddison.  It is continuously
under development and won't answer all of your questions, but is a
resource for those interested in insect phylogeny or the phylogeny of
anything else.  

Dan