A new dragonfly family from the mid Cretaceous Burmese amber (Odonata: Aeshnoptera: Burmaeshnidae)

The third Cretaceous Aeshnoptera in amber is described from Myanmar. It represents a new family Burmaeshnidae fam. nov., genus and species Burmaeshna azari gen. et sp. nov. Its exact affinities remain uncertain but it is probably the sister group of the Late Cretaceous family Enigmaeshnidae. This discovery supports the hypothesis of an intense period of appearance of many aeshnopteran subclades during the late Early Cretaceous and the Late Cretaceous.     

Frullania pinnata spec. nov. (Frullaniaceae,Porellales), a new leafy liverwort in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber from Myanmar

An inclusion in Cretaceous amber from Myanmar is described as a new fossil species in the extant liverwort genus Frullania. The name Frullania pinnata is proposed for the taxon that is characterized by entire underleaves paired with a conspicuous pinnate branching pattern, two distinctive and stable morphological features. Entire underleaves are known in several extant Frullania species but had not previously been documented in Frullania in amber. The combination of morphological characters in this new fossil species is unknown in any crown group lineage of Frullania, and may very well represent a stem lineage element of the genus. This discovery is important because it expands our understanding of the diversity of Frullaniaceae in the Burmese amber forest as well as important ramifications for the phylogenetic reconstruction of extant Frullania lineages.     

The first aeshnoid dragonfly (Odonata: Anisoptera: Telephlebiidae) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

A new true dragonfly, Cretaeshna lini gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a forewing from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Cretaeshna is probably a member of Telephlebiidae: Telephlebiinae, but differs from the latter in having a weakly-defined IR1 and a short pterostigma. Cretaeshna lini is the first aeshnid dragonfly to be found as an amber inclusion and the third Cretaceous true dragonfly recorded in amber. Our find augments the diversity of Mesozoic true dragonflies, and enhances our understanding of the palaeogeographic distribution of aeshnid dragonflies.     

Biting midges of the extinct genus Protoculicoides Boesel from Lower Cretaceous amber of San Just,Spain and new synonymy in recently described fossil genera (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)

We describe two new species of extinct biting midges in the fossil genus Protoculicoides: Protoculicoides hispanicus Szadziewski and Arillo, sp. nov. and Protoculicodes sanjusti Szadziewski and Arillo, sp. nov., from Albian (101–113 Ma) amber of San Just, Spain. Atriculicoides Remm, 1976 is recognized as a new junior synonym of Protoculicoides Boesel, 1937 (NEW SYNONYM). Devalquia Choufani et al., 2013 is regarded here as a new junior synonym of the extant genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 (NEW SYNONYM). Metahelea roggeroi Choufani et al., 2013 from Upper Cretaceous French amber, is excluded from the tribe Heteromyiini and placed in the extant genus Stilobezzia Kieffer, 1911, tribe Ceratopogonini: Stilobezzia roggeroi (Choufani et al., 2013), comb. nov. The extinct tribe Atriculicoidini Szadziewski, 1996 is regarded as a new subfamily, Atriculicoidinae, stat. nov., that includes the fossil genus Protoculicoides, with 13 species reported from Albian, Turonian, Cenomanian, Coniacian, Santonian and Campanian ambers (78–113 Ma). Protoculicoides skalskii Szadziewski & Arillo, 1998 from Lower Cretaceous amber of Álava, Spain, Protoculicoides succineus Szadziewski, 1966 from Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber and Protoculicoides burmiticus Szadziewski & Poinar, 2005 from Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber are transferred to the extinct genus Archiculicoides Szadziewski, 1996, comb. nov. Protoculicoides krzeminskii Choufani et al., 2014 from Lower Cretaceous Lebanese amber is transferred to the extinct genus Archiaustroconops Szadziewski, 1996, comb. nov. The Cretaceous subfamily Atriculicoidinae forms an unresolved trichotomy with the extant subfamilies Forcipomyiinae and Dasyheleinae, both of which date to the Eocene. The fossil record indicates that wings with macrotrichia in biting midges evolved during the mid-Cretaceous greenhouse climate. We suggest that this was an evolutionary adaptation to new atmospheric conditions with higher levels of CO₂ in order for the antennal Johnston's organs of males to receive the vibrational sex signals produced by females during flight.     

The latest record of the extinct subfamily Eoptychopterinae (Diptera: Ptychopteridae) from Upper Cretaceous amber of North Carolina

A new genus and species of female phantom midge Neuseptychoptera carolinensis gen. et sp. nov. in the fossil subfamily Eoptychopterinae is described and illustrated; this ptychopterid is from Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) amber of North Carolina. This is the first member of Eoptychopterinae from North America and the first found in Campanian age amber. We propose to treat the extinct subfamily Eoptychopterininae Lukashevich, 1995, as a junior synonym of the subfamily Eoptychopterinae Handlirsch, 1906, syn. nov. The elongated mouthparts of the new species have broad labella, and these are functionally interpreted as feeders for honeydew, fermenting plant juices, and nectar rather than for biting.     

A new genus of silken-fungus beetle (Coleoptera: Cryptophagidae) from the Spanish Cretaceous amber

The Cretaceous new species and genus Albocryptophagus cantabricus gen. et sp. n. is described based on a fossil specimen from the El Soplao amber deposit (Spain). The new genus is similar to the extant genera Cryptophagus and Micrambe, but differs from them in the transverse pedicel, anterior angles of pronotum, pronotal margin unmodified, pronotal pits absent. Albocryptophagus gen. n. is undoubtedly the most ancient representative for the subfamily Cryptophaginae described up today. Because the saproxylic habits in recent species of the family, a similar behavior is inferred for this new fossil. It is a new example that agrees with the idea that fossil beetles from Mesozoic ambers are characterized by a saproxylic lifestyle.     

First boganiine beetle in mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar (Coleoptera: Boganiidae)

Cretoboganium gei gen. et sp. nov., a new amber inclusion of the cucujoid family Boganiidae is described and figured based on a well-preserved adult from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Hukawng Valley, northern Myanmar), some 99 million years ago. Based on the presence of a pair of pronotal callosities, Cretoboganium can be firmly placed in the extant subfamily Boganiinae, a small group currently comprising two small austral genera. Our discovery represents the first fossil record for Boganiinae. It also demonstrates another example that an apparently austral group may have its sister group occurred in today’s northern hemisphere. Together with the other fossil boganiid known from the Middle Jurassic of China, the finding suggests that Boganiidae is an ancient and relict group. Moreover, the present biogeographic distribution of Boganiinae is indicative of an earlier origin of this subfamily, which likely originated before the breakup of the Gondwanan supercontinent.     

A new genus of Trichomyiinae (Diptera: Psychodidae) from Upper Cretaceous amber of New Jersey

Xenotrichomyia newjerseyiensis a new genus and species belonging to Trichomyiinae within Psychodidae is characterized, described, illustrated and its taxonomic position is discussed. It shares some similarities with Trichomyiinae of group B, but retains some archaic features, such as normal and non-excentric flagellomeres, and possesses an autapomorphy in wing venation that distinguish it from all remaining Trichomyiinae. This discovery represents the first Trichomyiinae (Psychodidae) from the Upper Cretaceous New Jersey amber, and adds more evidence on the very high palaeodiversity of the psychodids since at least the Lower Cretaceous. An updated check list of fossil Trichomyiinae is given.     

A new genus of whip-scorpions in Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber: Earliest fossil record of the extant subfamily Thelyphoninae (Arachnida: Thelyphonida: Thelyphonidae)

Mesozoic whip-scorpions are very rare, with only two Cretaceous species known to date. Here we describe a new genus and species of Thelyphonidae, Mesothelyphonus parvus gen. & sp. nov., based on a very well-preserved male in Upper Cretaceous amber from Myanmar. Mesothelyphonus is firmly placed in the extant subfamily Thelyphoninae as supported by the abdominal tergites with a median longitudinal suture. Mesothelyphonus differs from other fossil and recent genera primarily by its very small body size, the absence of ommatoids on abdominal segment XII, and the elongate, slender and toothed patellar apophysis of the male pedipalp. The new discovery represents the oldest definitive fossil record for Thelyphoninae, highlighting the antiquity of the whip-scorpion group.     

Myamalycocerus vitalii: A new genus and species of soldier beetle in Burmese amber (Coleoptera Cantharidae)

A new fossil soldier beetle Myamalycocerus vitalii gen. et sp. nov., is described and illustrated from an inclusion in Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber (Myanmar). It differs from all extant genera that have elytra adorned with small striae by possessing raised punctation, very probably an ancient character as it is absent among current species. It differs from the fossil Ornatomalthinus Poinar et Fanti, by the long elytra and relief points which are less raised and more numerous. This new genus appears vaguely related (not necessarily phylogenetically) to the current genus Lycocerus Gorham.     

A new tribe of Galerucinae leaf beetle (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) from the Upper Cretaceous Taimyr amber

The new tribe Taimyralticini trib. nov., new genus Taimyraltica gen. nov. and new species Taimyraltica calcarata sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Galerucinae) are described from Upper Cretaceous (Santonian) Taimyr amber of northern Siberia (Yantardakh locality). The new genus shares characters with genera of the tribe Alticini (small size, transverse antebasal groove on pronotum, regular punctate-striate elytra) and the Galerucini (narrow, non-swollen metafemora). A possible apomorphy of the new genus and tribe is a large and acute metatibial spur, erect and oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis of tibia. This character state is unknown in recent and fossil genera of Galerucinae. Early evolution and divergence of leaf beetles are discussed, and a Jurassic and Early Cretaceous subfamily radiation is proposed. Fossil galerucines are reviewed. The oldest Phyllotreta is recorded from the lower Miocene of Izarra (Spain). Our findings show an extreme rarity of Phytophaga in Taimyr amber from Yantardakh. Absence of Phytophaga was recorded earlier at Obeschayuschiy (Santonian-Campanian of the Magadan Region) and compared with their much larger share in Khetana (north of Khabarovsk Krai); we find nearly the same differences between Taimyr amber from Yantardakh and Canadian amber. In Obeschayuschiy this appears due to the Mesophytic character of the flora. It is assumed that the Santonian amber gymnosperm forest of the Khatanga Basin had the same character.     

Cretocrenis burmanicus,the first Mesozoic amber inclusion of a water scavenger beetle (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)

Cretocrenis burmanicus, gen. et sp. nov. is described from Burmese amber and represents the oldest known amber inclusion of the family Hydrophilidae (Coleoptera: Polyphaga). The new genus resembles the small-bodied modern genera of the tribe Anacaenini and the subfamily Acidocerinae, and the morphology of the venter and male genitalia suggest that it belongs to the Horelophus+Crenitis clade of the tribe Anacaenini. The fossil is described in detail, illustrated, and compared with extant hydrophilid genera.     

A new genus and species of pygidicranid earwigs from the Upper Cretaceous of southern Asia (Dermaptera: Pygidicranidae)

A third genus and species of fossil pygidicranid earwigs from Burmese amber is described and figured as Stonychopygia leptocerca Engel, Huang, Thomas, and Cai, gen. et sp. nov. (type species of Stonychopygia Engel and Huang, gen. nov.; Stonychopygiinae Engel and Huang, subfam. nov.). Stonychopygia have features similar to the subfamily Echinosomatinae such as the combination of shorter, subequal second and third flagellomeres and femora that are neither compressed or keeled. However, the new fossil species differs from echinosomatines in many details, particularly the slender form, head longer than wide, slender scape, slender and elongate forceps, and absence of stout, short bristles over the integument. The new fossil is compared with its contemporaneous and modern relatives, and comments are provided regarding the classification of Pygidicranoidea, with the genus Haplodiplatys Hincks removed from Diplatyidae to Haplodiplatyidae Engel, fam. nov.     

Rickettsial-like cells in the Cretaceous tick,Cornupalpatum burmanicum (Ixodida: Ixodidae)

Rickettsial-like cells are reported from the body cavity of the Myanmar amber larval tick, Cornupalpatum burmanicum (Ixodida: Ixodidae). These cells are characterized and described in a new collective fossil genus erected for putative rickettsia in fossil ticks. The size and shape of the fossil cells resemble those of present day members of the Rickettsiaceae, many of which occur in the body cavity of present day ticks.     

Cretaceous amber inclusions of Spain and Myanmar demonstrate early diversification and wide dispersal of Cephenniitae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)

The taxonomic status of previously misplaced species of an ant-like stone beetle from Spanish amber (Albian) is clarified. Specimens of Kachinus magnificus (originally placed as incertae sedis within Scydmaenitae) were re-examined and their characters were found different from those of the type species of Kachinus from Myanmar amber. Consequently, Archeutheia gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate the Spanish species, resulting in Archeutheia magnifica comb. nov. Moreover, in a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis Archeutheia was placed as a sister group to extant Eutheia, within the tribe Eutheiini of Cephenniitae. A specimen of an undetermined genus from Myanmar amber clearly belonging in Cephenniini is also recorded. Both taxa represent the first definite Cretaceous Cephenniitae, a supertribe whose recent members are distributed on all continents but are especially diverse in the Oriental and East Palaearctic regions. This finding demonstrates a diversification of two presently most species-rich tribes of Cephenniitae already in Early Cretaceous. Archeutheia is strikingly similar to the extant species of Eutheia and Veraphis, showing male dimorphic characters (modified protrochanters) and antennal cavities characteristic of Palaearctic Eutheiini. This fact suggests a long morphological stability in the supertribe. A previously proposed hypothesis of an early presence of the Cephenniitae in the Northern Hemisphere is for the first time supported by the fossil record, and the palaeolocalities (western Europe and Southeast Asia) demonstrate a wide distribution of Cephenniitae in the Cretaceous and an early split of its ancestral lineage.     

The first fossil of dasycerine rove beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber: Phylogenetic implications for the omaliine group subfamilies

The enigmatic staphylinid subfamily Dasycerinae consists of only 17 species within a single extant genus Dasycerus, but it is easily distinguished from other rove beetles by overall, latridiid beetle-like body and extremely slender, verticillate antennae. Direct fossil evidence is lacking for this group. Here, I describe the first fossil of this peculiar subfamily, Protodasycerus aenigmaticus gen. and sp. n., from the Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber. Despite considerable external similarities to extant dasycerine species, this new genus possesses several important morphological differences: a much smaller body size (ca. 1.1 mm), narrowly elongate antennomeres 1 and 2, not strongly transverse metaventrite, elytra striate but not tricostate, and truncate posterior margin of the elytra exposing four abdominal tergites dorsally. The new finding of a Cretaceous representative of the Dasycerinae helps elucidate the origin and early evolution of the omaliine group subfamilies, implying rather close similarities between the Dasycerinae and the monobasic subfamily Neophoninae. Discovery of P. aenigmaticus suggests a rather ancient origin of the subfamily by the Upper Cretaceous.     

Another amber first: A tiny tetraphalerin beetle (Coleoptera: Archostemata) in Myanmar birmite

A new tetraphalerin beetle, Tetraphalerus lindae sp. nov. (Insecta: Coleoptera: Archostemata) is described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber from northern Myanmar. This is the first species of this Jurassic-recent genus of archaic beetles to be described from amber inclusions, and is the first tetraphalerin cupedid from Burmese amber. This small, unusual Cretaceous Tetraphalerus is considered to belong to the T. bruchi species group of this now relict South American genus.     

The oldest tachyporine rove beetle in amber (Coleoptera,Staphylinidae): A new genus and species from Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber

A new genus and species of extinct rove beetle, Procileoporus burmiticus gen. and sp. n., is described from Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber (Cenomanian; ca. 99 Ma). Due to the condition of the fossil, parts of the body could not be examined, but sufficient characteristics were visible to allow the specimen to be placed within the subfamily Tachyporinae (tribe Tachyporini). Procileoporus is most similar to the extant genus Cileoporus Campbell in having a slender abdomen, but it differs in having much shorter abdominal setae, prominent striated microreticulation on the elytra, non-lobed tergite VIII, and in other details of the male genital segments. This is the first tachyporine rove beetle from Burmese amber and the oldest record of the subfamily in amber. The evolution of sexual dimorphism in the genital segments is briefly discussed.     

A plesiomorphic gasteruptiid wasp in Cenomanian amber from Myanmar (Hymenoptera: Gasteruptiidae)

The first definitive Burmese amber fossil of the family Gasteruptiidae s.str. (Evanioidea) is described and figured from a male entombed in amber from the Hukawng Valley, Myanmar. The Cenomanian-aged fossil is plesiomorphic in many respects when compared to the modern subfamilies Hyptiogastrinae and Gasteruptiinae. The genus Hypselogastrion Engel, gen. nov. (type species: Hypselogastrion simplex Engel and Wang, sp. nov.), is segregated into the extinct subfamily Hypselogastriinae Engel, subfam. nov., owing the more enriched wing venation, aulcid-like mesoscutal sculpturing, non-clavate metatibia, and absence of U-shaped notauli. The affinities of H. simplex among other living and fossil Aulaciformes are discussed.