Abstract
Gymnopternus lacustrisn. sp. (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) is described from a compression fossil from the Eocene/Oligocene Florissant beds of Colorado, U.S.A.Gymnopternushas a rich recent fauna in North Americm and its fossil presence in these deposits is evidence of the essentially “modern” generic composition of the Tertiary dolichopodid fauna.
Highlights
Tertiary lacustrine beds from western North America often contain insects as compression fossils, and the quality of preservation is such that more than 200 insect families have been recorded (Wilson, 1978)
Early papers referred to them as Miocene in age, they are regarded as Early Oligocene or along the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, some 34 million years B.P
Etymology" The specific epithet "lacustris" refers to the presence of this species in fossil lacustrine or lake deposits. This fossil is regarded as a member of the genus Gymnopternus Loew
Summary
Tertiary lacustrine beds from western North America often contain insects as compression fossils, and the quality of preservation is such that more than 200 insect families have been recorded (Wilson, 1978). Of these Tertiary deposits, the Florissant Beds of Colorado are among the most famous. Description Body length, head to apex of abdomen: 3.6 mm; wing length, thorax to apex: 2.5 mm (Figs 1 & 2). Etymology" The specific epithet "lacustris" refers to the presence of this species in fossil lacustrine or lake deposits
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