A unique, large-sized stem Odonata (Insecta) found in the early Pennsylvanian of New Brunswick (Canada)

Olivier Béthoux,Isabelle Deregnaucourt,Luke F Allen,Jake H Lewis,Olivia A King,Jörg W Schneider,Steven J Hinds,Rowan E Norrad,Matthew R Stimson

doi:10.5194/fr-24-207-2021

Abstract

Abstract. A stem relative of dragon- and damselflies, Brunellopteron norradi Béthoux, Deregnaucourt and Norrad gen. et sp. nov., is documented based on a specimen found at Robertson Point (Grand Lake, New Brunswick, Canada; Sunbury Creek Formation; early Moscovian, Pennsylvanian) and preserving the basal half of a hindwing. A comparative analysis of the evolution of wing venation in early odonates demonstrates that it belongs to a still poorly documented subset of species. Specifically, it displays a MP + CuA fusion, a CuA + CuP fusion, and a CuP + AA fusion, but it lacks the “extended” MP + Cu / CuA fusion and the “extended” (CuP / CuA + CuP) + AA fusion, the occurrence of which is typical of most Odonata, including Meganeura-like species. The occurrence of intercalary veins suggests that its closest relative might be Gallotypus oudardi Nel, Garrouste and Roques, 2008, from the Moscovian of northern France.

Highlights

Conjecture of primary homology in wing venation of extant dragon- and damselflies (Odonata) remained a matter of debate for most of the 20th century
Based on delimitations given by Bechly et al (2001) the type species of the new genus can be assigned to the taxon Neodonatoptera
The length of ScP has been regarded as a relevant character by Bechly et al (2001), but (i) it is possibly homoplastic and (ii) it is difficult to evaluate in the available material of the type species of the new genus

Summary

Introduction

Conjecture of primary homology in wing venation of extant dragon- and damselflies (Odonata) remained a matter of debate for most of the 20th century. 42) stressed that Protodonata (including, in his opinion, Meganeuridae and a few other species) and Odonata were two clearly distinct taxa, he stated that MP and CuA (his Cu1) were present as free veins beyond the wing base in Meganeuridae and in species he regarded as stem Zygoptera, i.e. crown Odonata. It follows that Tillyard, in some respect, regarded a subset of Protodonata as stem Odonata (and see Tillyard and Fraser, 1938)

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion