Odd Cretaceous Insect Had Mayfly, Dragonfly and Praying Mantis Parts
Posted on July 20, 2011
German scientists at the Stuttgart Natural History Museum have discovered a a new insect order from the Lower Cretaceous of South America. The insect found in the fossil was named Coxoplectoptera. The winged insect has the wing venation of a mayfly, breast and wing shape of a dragonfly, and legs of a praying mantis.
The larvae of the Coxoplectoptera, which resemble freshwater shrimp, is also interesting. The researchers say the insects' unique anatomy indicates the insects were probably ambush predators living partly dug in the river bed. An image of the larvae is pictured below.
The work group led by Dr. Arnold H. Staniczek and Dr. G�nter Bechly determined that these fossils represent extinct relatives of modern mayflies. Due to the discovery of both adult winged specimens and excellently preserved larvae, the scientists were able to clarify the phylogenetic position of these animals and presented a new hypothesis regarding the relationships of basal winged insects. The findings were published in a special issue on Cretaceous Insects in the scientific journal, Insect Systematics & Evolution.