A New Species of Blattoid ( Archimylacris ) from the Keele Group (Radstockian) of Shropshire

Abstract

I am indebted to the Geological Survey for the opportunity of examining a fragment of an insect-wing discovered by Mr. J. Pringle, F.G.S., while engaged in the examination of core-material collected in 1919 by Mr. T. C. Cantrill, B.Sc, F.G.S., from a new borehole for water at Slang Lane, Wellington (Shropshire). The core-material came from some level between the surface and 97 feet, the actual depth being undeterminable because the chisel was used in boring. From an examination of the plant-remains, Mr. Pringle is of opinion, and Mr. Cantrill's field-observations bear him out, that the beds belong to the Keele Group. The wing-fragment and its impression lie upon the surfaces of two pieces of red marl, and are not easily recognizable. Its discovery by Mr. Pringle is testimony to the thoroughness of his search of the material. Enough of the wing is present to enable us to determine the genus, and to show that the form is new to British Coal Measures, and sufficiently distinct from Continental species to merit specific distinction. The characters of the subcosta and the interstitial neuration clearly indicate that the wing belongs to the genus Archimylacris , and as such I describe it. Archimylacris pringlei, sp. nov. Holotype. The basal two-thirds, and impression of a tegmen or forewing, lying upon the irregular surface of two small pieces of red marl, and partly obscured by plant-remains. Length=18 mm. Collection of the Geological Survey, Jermyn Street, Reg. Nos. 30725-426. Horizon and locality.—Keel Group, Upper Division of the Coal