Coxoplectoptera, a new fossil order of Palaeoptera (Arthropoda: Insecta), with comments on the phylogeny of the stem group of mayflies (Ephemeroptera)

2011 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Godunko ◽  
Arnold Staniczek ◽  
Günter Bechly

AbstractMickoleitia longimanus gen. et sp.n. is described from the Lower Cretaceous limestone of the Crato Formation in Brazil. It is attributed to a new family Mickoleitiidae and a new fossil insect order Coxoplectoptera within the palaeopterous Ephemerida, based on the presence of an elongated costal brace. This fossil insect exhibits a very peculiar combination of derived characters like specialized forelegs with strongly elongated, free coxae, single-clawed pretarsus, and distinctly skewed pterothorax as in dragonflies. On the other hand, several plesiomorphies are present that exclude this taxon from modern Ephemeroptera, namely large hind wings with widened anal area and numerous cross veins that separate the elongate costal brace from the costal margin. Fossil larvae described by Willmann as larval Cretereismatidae are herein attributed to Mickoleitiidae fam.n., based on the shared presence of broad hind wing buds with distinctly broadened anal area, wing bud venation similar to the adult holotype, and subchelate forelegs with elongate free coxae. These larvae are also highly autapomorphic in the structure of their abdominal gills and laterally flattened body with vertically oval section that is unique within Ephemerida. On the other hand they possess plesiomorphic lateral wing pads with pronounced articulation like Palaeozoic pterygote larvae, while wing pads in modern insects are always secondarily fused to the tergum. A similar fossil larva from the Jurassic of Transbaikals was earlier described as Mesogenesia petersae and classified within modern mayflies. It is herein attributed to Mickoleitiidae fam.n. Coxoplectoptera are recognized as putative sister group of modern Ephemeroptera based on the shared presence of only 7 pairs of abdominal gills, while Permoplectoptera still have retained 9 pairs of gills. The phylogenetic reclassification of the mayfly stem group by Willmann is critically discussed and modified.

Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4524 (1) ◽  
pp. 77 ◽  
Author(s):  
KEIJI BABA ◽  
SHANE T. AHYONG ◽  
KAREEN E. SCHNABEL

The chirostyloidean squat lobster genus Gastroptychus Caullery, 1896 is revised and is split into two genera: Gastroptychus sensu stricto (type species, Ptychogaster spinifer A. Milne-Edwards, 1880) and Sternostylus new genus (type species, Ptychogaster formosus Filhol, 1884). Gastroptychus sensu stricto, is restricted to nine species with a sternal plastron, at sternite 3, abruptly demarcated from the preceding sternites (excavated sternum) by a distinct step forming a well-defined transverse or concave anterior margin at the articulation with maxillipeds 3, the maxillipeds 3 widely separated, with the distal parts accommodated in the excavated sternum between the left and right maxillipeds 3 when folded, and the P2–4 dactyli with the terminal spine demarcated by a suture. Sternostylus new genus, represented by 12 species, has the sternite 3 anteriorly bluntly produced medially and steeply sloping anterodorsally to the anterior sternite, with a pair of spines directly behind the anterior margin, the left and right maxillipeds 3 adjacent, and the P2–4 dactyli ending in an indistinctly demarcated corneous spine. The above-mentioned characters of Gastroptychus are consistent with Chirostylidae sensu stricto. Published molecular phylogenies indicate, however, that Sternostylus is the sister group to all the other Chirostylidae, and is designated the type genus of a new family, Sternostylidae. 


2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Vršanský ◽  
Günter Bechly

Abstract We describe a new extinct lineage Manipulatoridae (new family) of cockroaches from the Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber of Myanmar. Manipulator modificaputis gen. et sp. n. is a morphologically unique extinct cockroach that represents the first (of a total of 29 known worldwide) cockroach family reported exclusively from the Myanmar amber. This family represents an early side branch of the stem group of Mantodea (most probably a sister group of Eadiidae within Blattaria/Corydioidea) because it has some synapomorphies with the Mantodea (including the stem group and Eadiidae). This family also retains symplesiomorphies that exclude a position in the crown group, and furthermore has unique autapomorphies that exclude a position as a direct ancestor of Mantodea. The unique adaptations such as strongly elongated extremities and freely movable head on a long neck suggest that these animals were pursuit predators. Five additional specimens (including two immatures) reported from the Myanmar amber suggest that this group was relatively rare but belonged to the indigenous and autochthonous inhabitants of the ancient amber forest of the Myanmar region.


Zootaxa ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4415 (3) ◽  
pp. 452 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. R. PUGH ◽  
C.W. DUNN ◽  
S.H.D. HADDOCK

A new species of calycophoran siphonophore, Tottonophyes enigmatica gen. nov, sp. nov., is described. It has a unique combination of traits, some shared with prayomorphs (including two rounded nectophores) and some with clausophyid diphyomorphs (the nectophores are dissimilar, with one slightly larger and slightly to the anterior of the other, and both possess a somatocyst). Molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that the new species is the sister group to all other diphyomorphs. A new family, Tottonophyidae, is established for it. Its phylogenetic position and distinct morphology help clarify diphyomorph evolution. The function and homology of the nectophoral canals and somatocyst is also re-examined and further clarification is given to their nomenclature.


Zootaxa ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 756 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
WILLIAM A. NEWMAN

The family-group names Priscansermarinidae Newman, 1996, Zeugmatolepadidae Newman, 1996, and Neolepadinae Newman, 1996 were not accompanied by a description or definition when proposed, whereby, in light of Article 13.1.1 (International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature 1999), they are nomen nudum (Grygier in lit.). It is the purpose of this note to rectify this situation. To my knowledge the first two family-group names have not appeared in print since 1996 and therefore they are proposed anew herein, as Priscansermarinidae fam. nov. and Zeugmatolepadidae fam. nov. The third family-group, the subfamily Neolepadinae Newman, 1996, has since been recognized and variously defined by subsequent authors, including Buckeridge (2000) and Southward & Jones (2004), but since neither declare it a new taxon, in light of Article 16.1 it cannot be attributed to them. On the other hand, Yamaguchi et al. (2004) divided the included genera between two new family-groups, the tribes Neolepadini and Ashinkailepadini Yamaguchi, Newman & Hashimoto, 2004. Therefore, in accordance with Art. 36.1 (the Principle of Coordination), the Neolepadinae Yamaguchi, Newman & Hashimoto, 2004, as defined by Yamaguchi et al. (2004:111), is proposed, nom. trans., herein.


1994 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joel Minet

AbstractThis paper is chiefly aimed at reassessing the limits of four bombycoid families, namely the Eupterotidae, Saturniidae, Lemoniidae, and Brahmaeidae. An incompletely resolved cladogram is proposed for the whole 'bombycoid complex' (Mimallonoidea + Lasiocampoidea + Bombycoidea). Within the Bombycoidea, the primary dichotomy is considered to lie between the Eupterotidae + Bombycidae s.lat. + Endromidae + Mirinidae + Saturniidae, and the Carthaeidae + Lemoniidae + Brahmaeidae + Sphingidae. Sharing at least nine synapomorphies, the Lemoniidae and Brahmaeidae are regarded as reliable sister groups, and the Lemoniidae + Brahmaeidae are proposed as a sister group to the Sphingidae. Another newly proposed clade groups together the Endromidae, Mirinidae and Saturniidae. At family level, the Hibrildidae are synonymized with the Eupterotidae (syn. n.), for which the most significant autapomorphy lies in a previously unnoticed particularity of the female hind leg (distitarsus typically provided with a midventral row of spines). Sexual dimorphism in leg structure also leads to a redefinition of the Saturniidae, a family which must include, with subfamily rank (stat. rev.), the 'Oxytenidae' and 'Cercophanidae' of modern authors. A pair of distal, tooth-like structures on the fourth tarsomere of the female fore leg can thus be ascribed to the ground plan of the Saturniidae, along with a few other convincing autapomorphies. On the other hand, the 'Apatelodidae' are only tentatively placed in the 'Bombycidae sensu lato', a group provisionally resurrected insofar as the Apatelodidae sensu auct. prove to be diphyletic. As a matter of fact, the 'apatelodid' subfamily Epiinae is synonymized with the Bombycinae (syn. n.) in consideration of a rather large number of synapomorphies. When more extensively studied, the morphology of the eighth sternum of the male abdomen might lead to a slightly different, more restricted, concept of the Bombycidae (Le. excluding 'true' Apatelodidae). Often regarded as incertae sedis, the African genera Sabalia Walker and Spiramiopsis Hampson are definitely assigned to the Lemoniidae and Brahmaeidae respectively. Autapomorphies of these two families are recorded and discussed, as are those found to characterize the Sphingidae. Three subfamilies are tentatively recognized within the latter (Smerinthinae stat. rev., Sphinginae, Macroglossinae), five within the Eupterotidae (Hibrildinae, Tissanginae, Janinae, Panacelinae, Eupterotinae), and four within the Bombycidae s.lat. (Apatelodinae, Phiditiinae subfam. n., Prismostictinae [= Oberthueriinae, syn. rev.], Bombycinae). Three of these subfamilies are considered in a new sense, viz. the Panacelinae, Apatelodinae, and Bombycinae. Although the phylogeny of the Saturniidae is not fully taken into account in the present study, the composition of three saturniid subfamilies is critically examined (Oxyteninae, Cercophaninae, Ludiinae), and the Oxyteninae are viewed as the most 'primitive' member of the family.


1976 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ole E. Heie

AbstractThe fossil aphid Schizoneurites obliquus n.sp. from the Copenhagen collection of Baltic amber insects is described; the presence of one oblique vein in the hind wing separates it from the six previously described species of this genus, Schizoneurites Cockerell, 1915, of which Antiquaphis Heie, 1967, and Elektraphis Steffan, 1968, are synonyms. A new diagnosis of the genus and a key to the species are given. In specimens of S. robustus (Heie, 1967) and S. fossilis (Heie, 1967) occurring among the other Baltic amber insects recently acquired by the Zoological Museum of Copenhagen, structures resembling the rhinaria in Adelges Vallot are visible on the three terminal antennal segments, confirming the view held by Steffan (1968) that the group belongs in the Aphidina ovipara. The rhinaria, which have not been seen before, also shows that Schizoneurites, the only genus within the family Elektraphididae Steffan, 1968, together with the Adelgidae, forms a group, of which the Phylloxeridae is the sister group. The synapomorphies of the Elektraphididae and Phylloxeridae are explained as results of convergent or parallel evolution.


Specimens of Climacoceras africanus are described from Maboko, Kenya. The new species Climacoceras gentryi is established on the basis of ossicones, mandibles, and upper and lower dentitions from Fort Ternan and Baringo, Kenya. By interpretation of its lower canines Climacoceras is identified as a giraffoid and is placed in the new family Climacoceridae. Canthumeryx sirtensis is identified from Muruarot and Rusinga, Kenya. A dentition and associated partial skeleton of this species are described. The teeth agree closely with specimens of the same species from Gebel Zelten, Libya. Zarafa zelteni from Gebel Zelten is synonymized with Canthumeryx sirtensis . Again on the basis of its lower canines Canthumeryx is identified as a giraffoid and is placed in the new family Canthumerycidae. Specimens of Palaeotragus primaevus are described from Baringo, Kenya. This material includes a cranium with the ossicones, skull roof, occipital and basicranial regions preserved. Palaeotragus primaevus specimens from Fort Ternan are used in this description and some of these are redescribed. The relations of the giraffoids are assessed by methods of phylogenetic systematics. Palaeomeryx, Prolibytherium and Propalaeoryx are excluded from the Giraffoidea as their lower canines are not known. The Palaeotraginae is shown to be an invalid polyphyletic grouping and the genus Palaeotragus is also shown to be polyphyletic. Palaeotragus microdon is probably synonymous with Palaeotragus rouenii and the three species Palaeotragus rouenii (P. microdn), Palaeotragus coelophrys and Palaeotragus quadricornis are retained in the genus Palaeotragus . It is suggested that 'Palaeotragus’ expectans and ‘Palaeotragus’ decipiens are closely related to Samotherium . Palaeotragus primaevus is probably synonymous with Palaeotragus tungurensis and this species is closely related to the giraffines. With slight changes the subfamilies Sivatheriinae and Giraffinae are valid monophyletic groups. Hydaspitherium is synonymized with Bramatherium and the Sivatheriinae includes the genera Giraffokeyx, Birgerbohlinia , Bramatherium and Sivatherium while the Giraffinae includes the genera Honanotherium, Bohlinia and and Giraffa and the species ' Palaeotragus ' tungurensis (P. primaevus). Okapia is identified as the sistergroup of the other giraffids. Triceromeryx is the sister-group of the Giraffidae. Canthumeryx is the sister-group of Triceromeryx plus the Giraffidae while Climacoceras is the sister-group of the other giraffoids.


Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4743 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-442
Author(s):  
MICHAEL S. ENGEL

In a phylogenetic study of the insect order Strepsiptera, the peculiar paleotropical genus Lychnocolax Bohart, 1951 was recovered as the sister group to Stylopidae + Xenidae rather than as nested among the Myrmecolacidae (McMahon et al., 2011). Accordingly, the genus was removed from the myrmecolacids and placed in a family of its own (Kathirithamby & Engel, 2014). Kathirithamby & Engel (2014) erroneously attributed the family-group name to Bohart (1951) and therefore provided nothing more than diagnostic traits in the form of a dichotomous key to families. Cook (2019) rightly noted that Bohart (1951) provided only an account of the genus but retained it within Myrmecolacidae and did not establish a higher category for Lychnocolax. Accordingly, the first usage of a family-group name based on Lychnocolax was by Kathirithamby & Engel (2014) (Cook, 2019). Unfortunately, their usage of the name does not meet the criteria required to make the name available from that date and source (ICZN, 1999). Specifically, after 1999 all new family-group names, aside from being based on an available type genus and accompanied by a description in words (ICZN, 1999: Arts. 13.1 and 13.2), must also meet the following criteria pertinent to the current case : 1) must be explicitly indicated as new (Art. 16.1), and 2) must be accompanied by a clear citation of the type genus (Art. 16.2). While Kathirithamby & Engel (2014) did base the name on an available type genus and included diagnostic characters to differentiate the family from other groups, they did not explicitly indicate the name as new (since they erroneously attributed the name to Bohart), nor did they specifically note the type genus (even if it was apparent from the formation of the familial name). Thus, given the failure to satisfy Articles 16.1 and 16.2 (ICZN, 1999), the family-group name based on Lychnocholax Bohart, 1951 must be considered as unavailable from the publication of Kathirithamby & Engel (2014). Although the family name has been mentioned a few times subsequently (e.g., Lu & Liu, 2014; Kathirithamby et al., 2015; Engel et al., 2016; Kathirithamby, 2018; Cook, 2019), none of these latter uses satisfy the requirements of the ICZN (1999). Therefore, this nomenclatural oversight is here corrected utilizing the diagnostic traits outlined in the key of Kathirithamby & Engel (2014). 


1999 ◽  
Vol 173 ◽  
pp. 249-254
Author(s):  
A.M. Silva ◽  
R.D. Miró

AbstractWe have developed a model for theH2OandOHevolution in a comet outburst, assuming that together with the gas, a distribution of icy grains is ejected. With an initial mass of icy grains of 108kg released, theH2OandOHproductions are increased up to a factor two, and the growth curves change drastically in the first two days. The model is applied to eruptions detected in theOHradio monitorings and fits well with the slow variations in the flux. On the other hand, several events of short duration appear, consisting of a sudden rise ofOHflux, followed by a sudden decay on the second day. These apparent short bursts are frequently found as precursors of a more durable eruption. We suggest that both of them are part of a unique eruption, and that the sudden decay is due to collisions that de-excite theOHmaser, when it reaches the Cometopause region located at 1.35 × 105kmfrom the nucleus.


Author(s):  
A. V. Crewe

We have become accustomed to differentiating between the scanning microscope and the conventional transmission microscope according to the resolving power which the two instruments offer. The conventional microscope is capable of a point resolution of a few angstroms and line resolutions of periodic objects of about 1Å. On the other hand, the scanning microscope, in its normal form, is not ordinarily capable of a point resolution better than 100Å. Upon examining reasons for the 100Å limitation, it becomes clear that this is based more on tradition than reason, and in particular, it is a condition imposed upon the microscope by adherence to thermal sources of electrons.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document