Cretaceous Amber Of Myanmar Research Articles

New genera and species of the family Dipteromantispidae (Insecta: Neuroptera) from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar and New Jersey

Three new genera and two new species, namely Burmodipteromantispa jiaxiaoae gen. et sp. nov., Mantispidipterella longissima gen. et sp. nov., and Jersimantispa gen. nov., respectively from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar and New Jersey, are herein described in the lacewing family Dipteromantispidae, which is an enigmatic group by the mantispid-like appearance combined with strongly reduced, haltere-like hind wings. The male genitalia of Dipteromantispidae is described for the first time and provides new insight for understanding the familial phylogenetic position. A key to the dipteromantispid genera is also given.

The first record of Ichneumonidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera) from the Upper Cretaceous of Myanmar

A new subfamily of Ichneumonidae, Novichneumoninae subfam. nov., is established based on two new genera with two new species: Novichneumon longus gen. et sp. nov. and Caloichneumon perrarus gen. et sp. nov. These two new species are the first ichneumonids described from the Upper Cretaceous Myanmar (Burmese) amber. A list of all described Mesozoic ichneumonid fossil species with their respective localities and ages is summarized. The distribution of Ichneumonoidea during the Cretaceous indicates that Cretaceous ichneumonids were documented from localities at high latitudes while braconids were distributed worldwide, a pattern consistent with the distribution of extant ichneumonids and braconids.

New beaded lacewings (Neuroptera: Berothidae) from Upper Cretaceous Myanmar amber

Two new genera with two new species in Berothidae, Maculaberotha nervosa gen. et sp. nov. and Magniberotha recurrens gen. et sp. nov., are described from Upper Cretaceous Myanmar (Burmese) amber. Based on the new specimens of the same species, we propose some venational characters as intraspecific variations, e.g., the markings on the wings and crossveins in the radial sector. We also study and compare the female genital sclerites from three genera of Haploberotha, Dasyberotha, and Jersiberotha to highlight the importance of using these characters preserved in amber for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies. Furthermore, an updated key to the berothid genera of Myanmar amber is provided.

New pelecinid wasps (Hymenoptera: Pelecinidae) from Upper Cretaceous Myanmar amber

A new genus with a new species, Brachypelecinus euthyntus gen. et sp. nov., and two new species, Abropelecinus tytthus sp. nov. and Zoropelecinus periosus sp. nov., are described and figured from three exquisitely preserved pelecinid wasps in the Upper Cretaceous Myanmar (Burma) amber. These taxa, owing to their well-preserved characters in amber, provide a better understanding of morphological changes and relationships among the constituent groups, while further highlighting the diversity of Pelecinidae in the Mesozoic.

Phylogenetic position of Corydasialidae (Insecta: Neuropterida) revisited based on a significant new fossil in Cretaceous amber of Myanmar

The family Corydasialidae, currently comprising two monotypic genera from the Eocene, is one of the few groups with undetermined ordinal placement in Neuropterida, although it was previously considered to be an intermediate form between Corydalidae and Sialidae in Megaloptera. Here we describe a new taxon of Corydasialidae – Megalopteroneura chenxingi gen. et sp. nov. – based on an exquisitely preserved specimen in mid-Cretaceous (Albian–Cenomanian) amber of Myanmar. The new corydasialid in general resembles the genus Cratochrysa Martins-Neto, 1994 (Neuroptera: familia incertae sedis) from the Early Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil. In light of the new fossil evidence, Corydasialidae is herein transferred from Megaloptera to Neuroptera based on sharing the following autapomorphies of the latter order: orthognathous head, absence of gula, distinctly enlarged prementum of labium, and short forewing ScA terminating on ScP. Male genitalia of M. chenxingi gen. et sp. nov. are superficially Raphidioptera-like, with well-developed male gonocoxites and gonapophyses 9 but lacking rosette of trichobothria on ectoprocts. However, male genital characters of the new corydasialid differ fundamentally from Raphidioptera in the separation of tergum and sternum 9, fusion between tergum 9 and ectoprocts, and fusion between sterna 8 and 9. These genital features, together with some wing characters, suggest a possible close relationship between Corydasialidae and Chrysopidae or Mesochrysopidae. The new corydasialid fossil, representing the first extinct lacewing family with completely preserved male genitalia, provides insight into the comparative morphology of genital sclerites in Neuropterida, and further elucidates the early evolution of lacewings.http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FD949294-59E3-455E-AABA-3E10D9B582D6

A preliminary synopsis on amber scorpions with special reference to Burmite species: an extraordinary development of our knowledge in only 20 years.

A preliminary study on fossil scorpions found in amber, from the Lower Cretaceous through the Palaeocene and up to the Miocene is proposed. Scorpions remain rare among the arthropods found trapped in amber. Only 24 specimens are known from Cretaceous amber, representing eight families and subfamilies, ten genera and 21 species; in parallel, 10 specimens have been recorded from Baltic amber representing seven genera and ten species. A few more recent fossils from Dominican and Mexican amber have also been described. The present study of a new scorpion specimen from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burmite) resulted in the description of one new species, Betaburmesebuthus bellus sp. n. – belonging to the subfamily Palaeoburmesebuthinae Lourenço, 2015. The new description brings further elements to the clarification of the status of this subfamily, which is now raised to family level. Once again, this new Burmite element attests to the considerable degree of diversity in the Burmese amber-producing forests.

†Passalopalpidae, a new family from the Cretaceous Burmese amber, as the possible sister group of Passalidae Leach (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea)

A new family of Scarabaeoidea is revealed from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (earliest Cenomanian, near 100 Ma), on a series of males and females, most in perfect condition. Passalopalpidae fam. nov., Passalopalpus cheni gen. et sp. nov., are probably extinct since a long time. Observations were made on the whole body (head, thorax, abdomen) and appendages (mouthparts, antennae, legs, wings). Most characters are remarkable and plesiomorphic, compared to Passalidae Leach, as well as to some other Scarabaeoidea. Morphological characteristics demonstrate that the fossil species is typically « passaloid », but that it cannot belongs to Passalidae. Passalopalpidae and Passalidae are clearly distinct families, with strong assumption to be sister groups. The systematic interpretation of the fossil could fill a historic gap: the sister group of Passalidae had been established previously never in a solid way. Passalids are Gondwanian, whereas passalopalpids lived on former eastern Laurasia. Vicariance of both taxa, each on one of the super-continents, seems to support recent hypotheses of phylogeny and paleobiogeography for Passalidae. Other preliminary notes are given on the morphology, biology and phylogenetic relationships of passalopalpids.

A new genus and species of Praeaulacidae (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) from Upper Cretaceous Myanmar amber

A new fossil praeaulacid wasp, Habraulacus zhaoi gen. et sp. nov., is described and figured from Upper Cretaceous Myanmar amber. The new genus is established based on the following characters: mesosoma stout, metasoma elongated ellipse with the first metasomal segment very thin and tubular (like a petiole), forewing with pterostigma long and narrow, and both veins Rs+M and 1m-cu very long, forming a long cell 1mcu. Species of Praeaulacidae demonstrate a distinct evolutionary trend, which consists of miniaturization, venational reduction and enlargement of pterostigma, and reduction of number of the antennal segments from the Jurassic to Cretaceous. However, except for the miniaturization, this hardly concerns Habraulacus.

A remarkable new genus of Mantispidae (Insecta, Neuroptera) from Cretaceous amber of Myanmar and its implications on raptorial foreleg evolution in Mantispidae: A comment

Micromantispa cristata Shi et al., 2014 from Burmese amber belongs to Paraberothinae (Berothidae), not to Mantispidae.

A remarkable new genus of Mantispidae (Insecta, Neuroptera) from Cretaceous amber of Myanmar and its implications on raptorial foreleg evolution in Mantispidae

Micromantispa cristata gen. et sp. nov. is described from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar. This is the smallest mantispid. Its raptorial forelegs are relatively slender, bearing dense spines and setae on femora and tibia. The first tarsal segment has two long spines on the dorsal apical, which is newly observed in the family. The morphological diversity of the prothorax and raptorial forelegs in Mantispidae through the geological history are discussed.

A new scorpion fossil from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burma). New phylogenetic implications

A fossil scorpion belonging to a new family, genus and species, Chaerilobuthus complexus gen. n., sp. n., is described from Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burma). This is the third species and the fourth scorpion specimen to have been found and described from Burmese amber. The new family seems quite distinct from the family Archaeobuthidae Lourenço, 2001 described from Cretaceous amber of Lebanon.

A new fossil genus and species of snakefly (Raphidioptera: Mesoraphidiidae) from Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber, with a discussion of snakefly phylogeny and fossil history

AbstractLebanoraphidia nana gen. et sp.n. is described from the Lower Cretaceous amber of Lebanon and represents the smallest known Raphidioptera. The new taxon is quite similar in its minute size, large compound eyes and wing venation to Nanoraphidia electroburmica (Mesoraphidiidae) from the Lower Cretaceous amber of Myanmar, as well as to 'Mesoraphidia' luzzii from the Upper Cretaceous amber of New Jersey, and Cantabroraphidia marcanoi from the Lower Cretaceous El Soplao amber of Spain. For the species 'Mesoraphidia' luzzii a new genus, Grimaldiraphidia, is erected, because it would otherwise render the genus Mesoraphidia paraphyletic. 'Mesoraphidia' durlstonenesis, 'M.' gaoi, 'M.' heteroneura, 'M.' mitchelli, 'M.' parvula and 'M.' purbeckensis are also transferred to this new genus Grimaldiraphidia. Four Cretaceous amber genera comprise minute specimens and represent a distinct clade within Mesoraphidiidae, for which a new tribe, Nanoraphidiini, is proposed. The phylogeny and fossil record of Raphidioptera is discussed and the suborders Priscaenigmatomorpha and Raphidiomorpha are supported. A revised definition and composition of Mesoraphidiidae (including Cretinocellia) is suggested. 'Siboptera' medialis is transferred to the genus Mesoraphidia. The synonymy of Alloraphidiidae with Mesoraphidiidae is rejected and Alloraphidiinae is restored as separate subfamily that probably represents the sister group of Mesoraphidiinae. The genera Caloraphidia, Styporaphidia and Ororaphidia are transferred to a new subfamily Ororaphidiinae within Mesoraphidiidae. The genus Metaraphidia is excluded from Mesoraphidiidae and attributed to a new monotypic family Metaraphidiidae, which is considered as sister group of Neoraphidioptera (Raphidiidae+Inocelliidae) within the new taxon Euraphidioptera, which is the sister group to Mesoraphidiidae within the new taxon Raphidiformia. Arariperaphidia rochai is transferred to "Baissopteridae" that might rather be a paraphyletic grade of basal stem group representatives.

THE FOSSIL SPIDER FAMILY LAGONOMEGOPIDAE IN CRETACEOUS AMBERS WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF A NEW GENUS AND SPECIES FROM MYANMAR

The spider family Lagonomegopidae was described a decade ago from two specimens in Upper Cretaceous Siberian amber from the Taimyr Peninsula, and placed in the superfamily Palpimano- idea. Lagonomegopidae is known only from Cretaceous amber. Undiscovered extant species are considered unlikely because of their frequent occurrence in Cretaceous ambers and their absence in Tertiary fossil resins. One aim of this paper is to bring the existence of this family to the attention of neo-arachnologists. Burlagonomegops eskovinew genus and species is described from Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burma) and Lagonomegops americanusnew species is assigned to a previously described, but unnamed specimen from Cretaceous New Jersey amber.

Hyptiogastrites electrinus Cockerell, 1917, from Myanmar (Burmese) amber: Redescription and its placement within the Evanioidea (Insecta: Hymenoptera)

Synopsis The wasp Hyptiogastrites electrinus Cockerell, 1917, from the Lower Cretaceous (Upper Albian) Myanmar (Burmese) amber is redescribed from the well‐preserved holotype and its relationship with extant Aulacidae and Gasteruptiidae (Hymenoptera: Evanioidea) evaluated. Although the wing venation is identical to the majority of extant Hyptiogastrinae (Gasteruptiidae), phylogen‐etic analysis places H. electrinus as sister taxon to the Aulacidae s.str., (i.e. Aulacus + Pristaulacus). Thus, Hyptiogastrinae is confirmed as having a restricted Southern Hemisphere distribution (i.e. Australasia and South America). Consistent with this result, H. electrinus is included within a slightly more broadly defined Aulacidae rather than being placed in a new monotypic family. Characters that align this species with the Aulacidae include: having small circular eyes, percurrent Y‐shaped notauli, pyramidal shape of the propodeum and the presence of a groove or ovipositor guide on the hind coxae.

The identity of phryssonotus burmiticus (Cockerell, 1917) (Diplopoda, Polyxenida, synxenidae) in cretaceous amber from Myanmar

Synopsis Based on a study of the holotype and of five presumably topotypic and conspecific juveniles, the millipede Phryssonotus burmiticus (Cockerell, 1917) from Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Myanmar amber (Burmite) is revised and redescribed. All relevant millipede material from Burmite can now be unequivocally assigned to Phryssonotus and represents the geologically oldest member of the order Polyxenida known to date.

Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccinea) from cretaceous Myanmar (Burmese) amber

Synopsis Scale insect inclusions have been found in 14 pieces of Lower Cretaceous (Upper Albian) Myanmar (Burmese) amber housed in the Natural History Museum, London. Burmacoccus danyi gen. etsp. nov. (Burmacoccidae fam. nov.), Albicoccusdimaigen. etsp. nov. (Albicoccidae fam.nov.), both archeococcids, and Marmyan barbarae gen. et sp. nov., a neococcid incertae sedis, are established on the basis of winged males, while an immature specimen of uncertain relationship is described. All of these taxa are considered to be extinct. Since each specimen represents a different group, the Burmese scale insects must have been abundant and diverse. They are also highly specialised (small size, reduced wing venation, microtrichia, long penial sheath, diverse tail devices), suggesting that the main radiation and specialisation of scale insects occurred prior to the Cretaceous.

The first scorpion fossil from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burma). New implications for the phylogeny of Buthoidea

A specimen belonging to a new genus and species of fossil scorpion, Palaeoburmesebuthus grimaldii gen. n., sp. n., is described from the Upper Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burma). This is the first scorpion to have been found and described from Burmese amber (± 90 Myr). The new genus and species are unquestionable buthoid elements but they are assigned to an incertae familiae until further material may be available for study. To cite this article: W.R. Lourenço, C. R. Palevol 1 (2002) 97–101.