The Species of Isoptera (Insecta) from The Early Cretaceous Crato Formation: A Revision

• DOI: 10.1206/616.1
• Publication Date: 2008-09-12T18:47:55Z
• Authors: David A. Grimaldi; Michael S. Engel; Kumar Krishna
• Keywords: Nomen dubium; Aptian

The termite species from Brazil's Early Cretaceous (Aptian-aged) Crato (Santana) Formation are evaluated on the basis of degree character variation seen in modern species, using a series 56 specimens, scanning electron microscopy minute structures, and bivariate plot proportional sizes sclerotized body structures. Of previously described only following considered valid: Mariconitermes talicei Fontes Vulcano, Meiatermes araripena Krishna, Cratomastotermes wolfschwenningeri Bechly, Cratokalotermes santanensis Cretarhinotermes novaolindense Bechly. combination M. Krishna (once placed Cretatermes) is restored, Cretatermes pereirai Vulcano proposed as junior synonym araripena. new described: hariolus Grimaldi, species. nomina dubia based superficial even contradictory diagnoses: Caatingatermitinae Martins-Neto et al. (likely synonymous with Hodotermitinae); Araripetermes nativa (nomen incorrectum, recte nativus), Caatingatermes megacephalus al., Nordestinatermes obesa obesus). These probably all synonyms genus Lacasa-Ruiz Martínez-Delclòs particular, but this assertion cannot be verified without access to type specimens. six definitive termites, reconstructions provided for four. All appear basal taxa, either stem group Isoptera, Hodotermitidae sensu lato, or Kalotermitidae. Despite very partial preservation, appears within hodotermitid grade not rhinotermitid. Some specimens have yielded detailed preservation soft internal tissues, including midgut, which has further phylogenetic implications.