New record of a mantis-like dictyopteran from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation (Brazil)

Abstract

We present a new fossil representative of Dictyoptera (the group includes the modern Mantodea and Blattodea) from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation (Brazil). LP/UFC CRT 2221(a,b) is characterized by head orthognathous, antennae filiform, large eyes situated laterally, prothorax short, abdomen stout, raptorial forelegs folded and robust, at least prefemora with ventral row of spines and forewings tegminous protrude beyond the abdomen. The shape of the prothoracic appendage and its articulations indicate that the tibia opposes the femur as in most mantodeans. However, the shape and dimensions of the coxae and venation pattern in the apical part of the wing are commonly associated to blattodeans. Unfortunately, the preservation of the wing venation in the here described specimen is incomplete, which prevents a reliable and objective reconstruction of the exact venation pattern. Many species descriptions of fossil dictyopterans are mostly based on the wing venation, consequently, it is difficult to determine its taxonomic status. Although the incompleteness of the specimen does not allow for a formal description, the overall characteristics are consistent with primitive mantodean-type insects. Fossil representatives of transitional forms or side branch groups are rather scarce in the fossil record. Therefore, the specimen presented here may contribute to a better understanding of evolutionary events within Dictyoptera during the Cretaceous.