Mines and galls on fossil leaves from the Late Cretaceous of southern Negev, Israel

Abstract

The recently described Late Cretaceous (Turonian) flora of Israel contains 46 species of angiosperms. Traces of galling and mining activity are exceptionally abundant and well-preserved. In a collection of more than 1000 specimens of terrestrial and aquatic angiosperms, almost all the leaves were affected. The mines consist of several morphological types, showing varying degrees of specialisation with respect to leaf histology. Some are readily identified with modern mine types; others may represent extinct types. Characters potentially useful for morphological classification of fossil mines are discussed and illustrated. Exuvial remains attributable to cecidomyiian dipterans suggest pupation in the gall, an advanced feature of this group. These findings are evidence of rapid evolution of mining and galling habits during the rise of early angiosperm-dominated communities.