Martina Pecharová

A new palaeodictyopterid (Insecta: Palaeodictyoptera: Spilapteridae) from the Upper Carboniferous of China supports a close relationship between insect faunas of Quilianshian (northern China) and Laurussia

Li, Y., Ren D., Pecharová, M. & Prokop, J., 2013. A new palaeodictyopterid (Insecta: Palaeodictyoptera: Spilapteridae) from the Upper Carboniferous of China supports a close relationship between insect faunas of Quilianshian (northern China) and Laurussia. Alcheringa 37, 1–9. ISSN 0311-5518. A new palaeodictyopterid Sinodunbaria jarmilae gen. et sp. nov. (Spilapteridae) is described and illustrated from the Upper Carboniferous (Namurian) Tupo Formation of northern China (Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region). The new taxon, based on the fore- and hindwing venation pattern, is attributed to Spilapteridae and compared with other spilapterid genera within Spilapteroidea. A character matrix was assembled to separate the genera of three families within Spilapteroidea and the systematics of Spilapteridae is re-evaluated. We restore the attribution of Bojoptera (monotypic, B. colorata Kukalová, 1958) to Spilapteridae based on re-examination of the holotype and point out several corrections to the original description. Moreover, owing to fragmentary preservation and a new interpretation of the wing venation of Sheltoweeptera Brauckmann, Chesnut & Jennings, 1993 (based on S. redbirdi from the Middle Pennsylvanian of Kentucky, USA), we consider that genus to be a junior synonym of Homaloneura Brongniart, 1885. Differences between the insect faunas of Euramerica and North China during the early Late Carboniferous (Bashkirian) possibly reflected a faunal contrast between tropical and temperate zones. Yongjun Li [liyongjun_sysu@126.com]. College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, 105 Xisanhuanbeilu, Haidian District, Beijing 100048, China, and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol and Institute of Entomology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. Dong Ren [rendong@mail.cnu.edu.cn], Key Lab of Insect Evolution & Environmental Changes, College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, PR China. Martina Pecharová [martina.pecharova@natur.cuni.cz] and Jakub Prokop [jprokop@natur.cuni.cz], Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44, Praha 2, Czech Republic. Received 30.1.2013; revised 25.3.2013; accepted 3.4.2013.

Hidden surface microstructures on Carboniferous insect Brodioptera sinensis (Megasecoptera) enlighten functional morphology and sensorial perception

Megasecoptera are insects with haustellate mouthparts and petiolate wings closely related to Palaeodictyoptera and one of the few insect groups that didn’t survive the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. Recent discovery of Brodioptera sinensis in early Pennsylvanian deposits at Xiaheyan in northern China has increased our knowledge of its external morphology using conventional optical stereomicroscopy. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) of structures, such as antennae, mouthparts, wing surfaces, external copulatory organs and cerci have shed light on their micromorphology and supposed function. A comparative study has shown an unexpected dense pattern of setae on the wing membrane of B. sinensis. In addition, unlike the results obtained by stereomicroscopy it revealed that the male and female external genitalia clearly differ in their fine structure and setation. Therefore, the present study resulted in a closer examination of the microstructure and function of previously poorly studied parts of the body of Paleozoic insects and a comparison with homologous structures occurring in other Palaeodictyopteroida, Odonatoptera and Ephemerida. This indicates, that the role and presumptive function of these integumental protuberances is likely to have been a sensory one in the coordination of mouthparts and manipulation of stylets, escape from predators, enhancement of aerodynamic properties and copulatory behaviour.

A new palaeodictyopteroid (Megasecoptera: Brodiopteridae) from the Early Pennsylvanian of northern China reveals unique morphological traits and intra-specific variability

Pecharová, M., Ren, D. & Prokop, J., 29.01.2015. A new palaeodictyopteroid (Megasecoptera: Brodiopteridae) from the Early Pennsylvanian of northern China reveals unique morphological traits and intra-specific variability. Alcheringa 39, XXX–XXX. ISSN 0311-5518 Evaluation of abundant insect fossils from the Early Pennsylvanian (Namurian) Tupo Formation of northern China (Xiaheyan locality, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region) enabled description of a new megasecopteran, i.e., Brodioptera sinensis sp. nov. and emendation of Brodiopteridae. Brodioptera sinensis is defined principally on wing venation characters and darkly pigmented wing apices, but a few have hyaline wing membranes possibly reflecting freshly emerged imagoes or subimagoes without fully developed coloration. The large assemblage of 54 specimens enabled documentation of intra-specific variability in wing venation. In addition, the new species reveals the detailed morphology of the haustellate mouthparts with conspicuous elongated stylets, and external copulatory organs that, previously, were poorly documented or unknown. The male and female external genitalia are similar to members of Protohymenidae (Megasecoptera) and Asthenohymenidae (Diaphanopterodea). Brodioptera sinensis is related to Brodioptera stricklani and Brodioptera cumberlandensis both known from localities in Euramerica suggesting faunal exchange occurred during the Bashkirian. Moreover, based on our analysis of veinal characters and re-examination of the holotype of Sylvohymen pintoi Brauckmann known from Namurian of Hagen-Vorhalle (Germany), we propose transferring this taxon to Brodiopteridae as Brodioptera pintoi comb. nov. Despite the different palaeoclimatic conditions in Euroamerica and Gondwanaland, we assume that Brodiopteridae are closely related to Xenopteridae (type genus: Xenoptera) known solely from South America because these groups have similar venation patterns and were contemporaneous. Martina Pecharová [martina.pecharova@natur.cuni.cz] Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44, Praha 2, Czech Republic; Dong Ren [rendong@mail.cnu.edu.cn] Key Lab of Insect Evolution & Environmental Changes, College of Life Science, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, PR China; Jakub Prokop [jprokop@natur.cuni.cz] Charles University in Prague, Faculty of Science, Department of Zoology, Viničná 7, CZ-128 44, Praha 2, Czech Republic.

New Carboniferous fossils of Spilapteridae enlighten postembryonic wing development in Palaeodictyoptera

A new palaeodictyopterid nymph Bizarrea obscura gen.n. et sp.n. (Spilapteridae) and a new adult specimen of Homaloneura cf. dabasinskasi Carpenter are described from the Pennsylvanian (Moscovian) ironstone nodules of Mazon Creek (IL, U.S.A.). Both taxa share enlarged prothoracic lobes (interpreted by some as winglets), heteronomous meso‐ and metathoracic wing pads or wings, a slender abdomen with pointed laterotergites, and a unique division of the abdominal segments by two transverse sulci. An alternative hypothesis for the placement of Bizarrea within Homoiopteridae is considered on the basis of its large body size and relatively short wing pads. Based on the morphology of the new material, postembryonic development of wing pads in Palaeodictyoptera (Palaeodictyopterida) is reconsidered. Detailed investigation of the abdominal segments, including examination by scanning electron microscopy, reveals the presence of subcircular, sclerotized structures partially covered at the bases of the nymphal laterotergites I–VII, ?VIII. Based on their position and shape, these structures are interpreted as abdominal spiracles, and thus a terrestrial or semiaquatic habitat for these immatures is hypothesized. Moreover, our discovery of the same, supposedly homologous structures in the enigmatic Vogesonymphidae (Permoplectoptera), from the Middle Triassic of Grès à Voltzia in France, is evidence for the parallel coexistence of ancestrally terrestrial and derived aquatic lineages of Ephemerida (Ephemeropterida) in early Mesozoic ecosystems.

Redefining the extinct orders Miomoptera and Hypoperlida as stem acercarian insects

BackgroundThe systematic positions of the extinct insect orders Hypoperlida, Miomoptera and Permopsocida were enigmatic and unstable for nearly a century. The recent studies based on new material, especially from the Cenomanian Burmese amber, shed light on evolutionary history of Acercaria resolving Permopsocida as the stem group of Condylognatha. However, the knowledge of the remaining two orders differs significantly.ResultsIn this study, we describe new specimens and evaluate morphology of various structures with emphasis on the mouthparts and wing venation. Our results are primary based on revisions of the type specimens with a proper delimitation of taxa Hypoperlida and Miomoptera followed by their significance for the evolutionary history of Acercaria. Three new genera as Belmomantis gen. nov., Elmomantis gen. nov., and Mazonopsocus gen. nov. are designated as members of Palaeomanteidae. The Pennsylvanian Mazonopsocus provides a minimum age for calibration, in accordance to the presence of crown acercarians during the late Carboniferous.ConclusionsThis contribution demonstrates that Hypoperlida and Miomoptera are stem groups of Acercaria. The putative clade (Hypoperlida + Miomoptera) is appearing as potential sister group of (Psocodea + (Permopsocida + (Thripida + Hemiptera))).

A remarkable insect from the Pennsylvanian of the Joggins Formation in Nova Scotia, Canada: insights into unusual venation of Brodiidae and nymphs of Megasecoptera

The discovery of a new megasecopteron, Brodia jogginsensis sp. nov., is reported from the Joggins Formation, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nova Scotia, Canada. The new species diagnosis is based on the unique pattern of hind wing venation bearing three anterior branches of MP and pectinate CuP with four posterior branches. Its occurrence in Langsettian deposits of the Maritimes Basin correspond well with other Pennsylvanian Brodiidae known from the Coal Measures of the UK and Mazon Creek in Illinois, USA. Based on our re-examination, we propose to transfer the genus Pyebrodia, with P. martinsnetoi Brauckmann & Herd, 2003, described as a putative member of Brodiidae, into Palaeodictyoptera family incertae sedis as it lacks most of the diagnostic features of Brodiidae. The holotype of Eubrodia dabasinskasi Carpenter, 1967, housed in a private collection, was supplemented by the description of an additional specimen housed in The Field Museum, Chicago. The fossil record of Brodiidae is reviewed and additional remarks concerning the wing morphology and the function of specialized structures, such as reinforcements in the form of a specialized crossvein between A1 and CuP, are given. Putative nymphs of Brodiidae and development of wings in Megasecoptera are discussed. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:741846CB-FAD0-4103-90D3-2896D8909E94

New palaeodictyopterans from the Late Carboniferous of the UK (Insecta: Palaeodictyopterida)

New palaeodictyopterans, Vernooijia sassoonae gen. et sp. nov. (Breyeriidae) and Mazonopterum cooperi sp. nov. (Homoiopteridae) are described from the Middle Pennsylvanian (Westphalian D/Late Asturian) of Writhlington, near Radstock (UK). Based on the re-examination of venation in Breyeria harlemensis, we propose the transfer of this species to the genus Vernooijia as V. harlemensis (Brauckmann & Groning, 1996) comb. nov. We report the first record of Homaloneura sp. (Spilapteridae) from the Langsettian to Duckmantian of Coseley, Staffordshire. Additionally, we report a fragmentary wing from the Middle Pennsylvanian (late Westphalian D/early Cantabrian) of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, tentatively belonging to the Lycocercidae. Our re-examination of a putative blattodean nymph described by Rolfe (1967) allows re-assignment to Palaeodictyoptera, as it has well-developed wing pads with a corrugated pattern of probably original tracheation and lacunal channels, identified as presumably nymphal exuvia of Idoptilus sp. Surprisingly, our study reveals the presence of three triangular caudal appendages bearing prominent lateral lamellae emerging from the terminal abdominal segment, previously unknown in other nymphs of Palaeodictyoptera. We assume that these lamellae were originally covered with dense setae and possibly represent modified caudal appendages in the form of tracheal gills, as known in the nymphs of damselflies (Odonata: Zygoptera). Thus, the scenario of a possible aquatic lifestyle for nymphs of at least some members of Palaeodictyoptera, as considered by Brongniart (1885, 1893) and Handlirsch (1906), cannot be definitely excluded.

The wing base of the palaeodictyopteran genus Dunbaria Tillyard: Where are we now?

The structure of insect wing articulation is considered as reliable source of high level characters for phylogenetic analyses. However, the correct identification of homologous structures among the main groups of Pterygota is a hotly debated issue. Therefore, the reconstruction of the wing bases in Paleozoic extinct relatives is of great interest, but at the same time it should be treated with extreme caution due to distortions caused by taphonomic effects. The present study is focused on the wing base in Dunbaria (Spilapteridae). The articulation in Dunbaria quinquefasciata is mainly formed by a prominent upright axillary plate while the humeral plate is markedly reduced. Due to unique preservation of surface relief of the axillary plate, its composition shows a detailed pattern of three fused axillary sclerites and presumable position of the sclerite 3Ax. The obtained structures were compared among Spilapteridae and to other palaeodictyopterans Ostrava nigra (Homoiopteridae) and Namuroningxia elegans (Namuroningxiidae). The comparative study uncovered two patterns of 3Ax in Dunbaria and Namuroningxia, which correspond to their different suprafamilial classification. In contrast to previous studies these new results reveal the homologous structural elements in the wing base between Paleozoic Palaeodictyoptera and their extant relatives of Ephemeroptera, Odonata and Neoptera.

The morphology of mouthparts, wings and genitalia of Paleozoic insect families Protohymenidae and Scytohymenidae reveals new details and supposed function

Megasecoptera is an extinct group of insects with specialized rostrum-like mouthparts, which is a synapomorphy shared with all members of the Late Paleozoic Palaeodictyopterida, and markedly slender wings that are unable to flex backwards. Here we describe the close up morphology of Protohymenidae and Scytohymenidae and uncover new aspects of the endoskeleton (tentorium) of the head, structure of the mouthparts with discernible proximal part of stylets controlled by muscles, surface of compound eyes that consist of a hexagonal pattern of large facets, structure and microstructures on the wings and reconstruct male and female external genitalia using ESEM and light stereomicroscopy. Furthermore, we describe Protohymen novokshonovi sp. n. based on an exceptionally well preserved fossil from the early Permian at Tshekarda in Russia, which shows crucial details, and the earliest species of Protohymenidae, Carbohymen testai gen. et sp. n. from a late Carboniferous siderite nodule at Mazon Creek in Illinois, USA. Our comparative study confirmed a set of structural and microstructural details on their wings, such as the composite anterior wing margin, development of an apical cell and the previously unknown external genitalia. Based on the results and comparison of homologous structures known primarily for extant relatives, such as mayflies and dragonflies, we outline for the first time the function of the mouthparts, in particular, the stylets, structure of the tentorium, vision provided by large hexagonal ommatidia and male copulatory structures bearing curved claspers for holding a female during copulation and penial lobes with seminal grooves.

New Cenozoic dragonflies from the Most Basin and Středohoří Complex volcanic area (Czech Republic, Germany)

ABSTRACT Discovery of new dragonflies from Oligocene and Miocene deposits of the Most Basin and České Středohoří Complex volcanic area in northern Bohemia and Saxony (Germany) is reported. Aeshna zlatkokvaceki sp. nov. is the first described dragonfly from early Miocene salmon-pink baked clays of Želénky near Duchcov. Its fore wing venation pattern seems to be closely related to that of Aeshna turoliana Riou and Nel, 1995, known from late Miocene of La Montagne d’Andance in Ardèche, France, and Aeshna solida Scudder, 1890, known from late Eocene of Florissant in Colorado, USA. A new occurrence of a libellulid dragonfly ?Onychothemis rihai in the Libkovice Member of Most Basin confirms the links to the Cypris Formation in Sokolov and Cheb basins reflecting similar habitats as was already shown on the basis of reconstructed palaeovegetation and shared thermophilous and accessory floristic elements. Other fragmentary fossil material from different localities are discussed. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:7A3BB1C3-5A70-4058-86A5-731B58C0ADC3