Abstract
Lacewings (Neuroptera) normally bear four well-developed wings. There are a few brachypterous, micropterous or apterous species, found in several extant families; this wing reduction is usually associated with flightlessness. The only documented fossil neuropteran with reduced hind wings (modified to small haltere-like structures) is the enigmatic minute genus <i>Mantispidiptera</i> Grimaldi from the Late Cretaceous amber of New Jersey. In this paper, we report a new genus and species from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of China (<i>Dipteromantispa brevisubcosta</i> n. gen. et n. sp.) resembling <i>Mantispidiptera</i>. We place these two genera in the new family Dipteromantispidae, n. fam. They bear well-developed forewings with reduced venation, and hind wings that are extremely modified as small structures resembling the halteres of Diptera. Dipteromantispidae n. fam. might be specialized descendants of some early Berothidae or of stem group Mantispidae + Berothidae. We presume that dipteromantispids were active fliers. This is a remarkable example of parallel evolution of wing structures in this neuropteran family and Diptera. <br><br> doi:<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/mmng.201300002" target="_blank">10.1002/mmng.201300002</a>
Highlights
Insects of the order Neuroptera usually bear four welldeveloped wings
We describe a new genus from the Early Cretaceous Yixian Formation of north-eastern China, which resembles Mantispidiptera but is much larger, yet its forewing venation is even further reduced
We find that the reduction of hind wings in the majority of extant species of Neuroptera and in Dipteromantispidae n. fam. could be generated by various reasons
Summary
Insects of the order Neuroptera usually bear four welldeveloped wings. there are a few brachypterous, micropterous or apterous species, found in several extant families (see a short review below). Grimaldi (2000) described the enigmatic fossil neuropteran genus Mantispidiptera Grimaldi and its two minute species M. enigmatica Grimaldi and M. henryi Grimaldi (forewings 2.63–3.12 mm long) from the Late Cretaceous (Turonian) amber of New Jersey (USA). Grimaldi (2000) described the enigmatic fossil neuropteran genus Mantispidiptera Grimaldi and its two minute species M. enigmatica Grimaldi and M. henryi Grimaldi (forewings 2.63–3.12 mm long) from the Late Cretaceous (Turonian) amber of New Jersey (USA). This genus is noteworthy for its specialized forewing venation and hind wings reduced to small structures resembling the halteres of Diptera. Wedmann and Makarkin (2007, p. 709) stated the opinion that “the systematic position of this enigmatic genus remains unclear, but it most probably does not belong to Mantispidae”, by its lack of significant mantispid synapomorphies. Engel & Grimaldi (2008, p. 86) reinstated the genus within the family, explaining that it is “highly autapomorphic, with several apomorphies likely the result of miniaturization.”
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
