Abstract
Termites of the family Stolotermitidae are a relict lineage of primitive Isoptera. The fossil record of Stolotermitidae is exceptionally poor, with only two Miocene (Neogene) species documented to date. Herein, a new genus and species of Paleogene termites is described and figured from the Late Oligocene (28-27 Ma, Early Chattian) of northwestern Ethiopia (Amhara Region, Chilga Woreda). Chilgatermes diamatensis gen. et sp. nov., is most similar to genera of the Stolotermitidae, Archotermopsidae, and Termopsidae but can be distinguished on the basis of forewing venational details. The genus is tentatively placed in the Stolotermitidae: Porotermitinae. Chilgatermes diamatensis is the first fossil termite from Ethiopia and, indeed, the first from the entire African continent.
Highlights
Termites of the family Stolotermitidae are a relict lineage of primitive Isoptera
The fossil record of Stolotermitidae is exceptionally poor, with only two Miocene (Neogene) species documented to date
The genus is tentatively placed in the Stolotermitidae: Porotermitinae
Summary
Termites of the family Stolotermitidae are a relict lineage of primitive Isoptera. The fossil record of Stolotermitidae is exceptionally poor, with only two Miocene (Neogene) species documented to date.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have