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

0362856 - BC 2012 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Staniczek, A. H. - Bechly, G. - Godunko, Roman J.
Coxoplectoptera, a new fossil order of Palaeoptera (Arthropoda: Insecta), with comments on the phylogeny of the stem group of mayflies (Ephemeroptera).
Insect Systematics & Evolution. Roč. 42, č. 2 (2011), s. 101-138. ISSN 1399-560X. E-ISSN 1876-312X
Grant - others:DFG grant(DE) STA 1098/1-1
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50070508
Keywords : Mickoleitia longimanus * Mesogenesia petersae * Mickoleitiidae
Subject RIV: EG - Zoology
Impact factor: 0.686, year: 2011

Mickoleitia 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 combination of derived characters: specialized forelegs with strongly elongated, free coxae, single-clawed pretarsus, and distinctly skewed pterothorax as in dragonflies. Plesiomorphies are present that exclude this taxon from modern Ephemeroptera: large hind wings with widened anal area and numerous cross veins that separate the elongate costal brace from the costal margin. Fossil larvae described as larvae 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 forelegs with elongate free coxae.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0199040