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

• DOI: 10.1017/s1755691017000408
• Publication Date: 2018-01-15T10:30:01Z
• Authors: Jakub Prokop; Martina Pecharová; Edmund A. Jarzemb...; Andrew J. Ross
• Keywords: Westphalian sovereignty; Appendage

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