Discovery of three new mordellids (Coleoptera, Tenebrionoidea) from the Yixian Formation of western Liaoning, China

In this paper one new genus and three new species Bellimordella capitulifera gen. et sp. nov., B. longispina gen. et sp. nov., B. robusta gen. et sp. nov., all placed within the subfamily Praemordellinae of the family Mordellidae, are described and illustrated. The specimens were recovered from the Yixian Formation of Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, NE China. The key to the species of this new genus is given. Furthermore, we discuss evolution of the pygidium and possible food for those ancient mordellids.     

New ripiphorid beetles in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar (Coleoptera: Ripiphoridae): First Pelecotominae and possible Mesozoic aggregative behaviour in male Ripidiinae

New fossil material of ripiphorid beetles (Tenebrionoidea: Ripiphoridae) is described and figured in lowermost Cenomanian amber from the Hukawng Valley of northern Myanmar. Flabellotoma heidiae gen. et sp. nov. is the Mesozoic representative of the putatively primitive subfamily Pelecotominae, represented by an almost completely preserved male. The new genus is compared with all extant members of the subfamily and is most notably distinguishable by an autapomorphic combination of a reduced tibial spur formula and unique ventral abdominal sclerite, and presumably in antennal structure as well. In addition, a syninclusion of eight males of Ripidiinae is discussed. The males are similar to Paleoripiphorus deploegi Perrichot, Nel, et Néraudeau in roughly coeval amber from western France. The syninclusion is interpreted as a result of aggregative behaviour during the flight activity of males, thereby representing the earliest documented evidence of such ethology. Brief remarks are made regarding the similarities among Cretaceous amber beetle faunas, and Mesozoic taxa previously attributed to Ripiphoridae are newly reconsidered.     

The oldest osoriine rove beetle from Cretaceous Burmese amber (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

A remarkable new genus and species, Mesallotrochus longiantennatus n. gen. n. sp., is described and figured based on a well-preserved individual in the lowermost Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber from Myanmar. Mesallotrochus is placed in the extant tribe Thoracophorini based on its general habitus, including the protibia with inner edge straight, without ctenidium, exposed protrochantins, open procoxal cavities, and more or less flatted body. Mesallotrochus is separated from other allied genera by the long antennae, very long maxillary palpomere 4, contiguous procoxae, and well-developed anterolateral pronotal angles. The new discovery of the oldest Osoriinae from about 99 million years not only suggests the antiquity of the subfamily, but also bears significant biogeographic implications.     

R／S Analyses of Some Geochemical Indexes for Tianshuihai Lake Core in West Kunlun Mountain and Their Environmental Implications

With the decrease of gloal temperature,glacial epoch came over the earth and global climate fluctuated over a great range since the beginning of Quatenary .Paleoclimotologists of various countries have focussed attention to the periodic characteristics and dynamics of climation flucturation in the past many years(Berger,1977;Imbrie and Hays,1984:ding zhongli et al.,1990;Yu zhiwei et al.,1992:Liu Youmei et al.,1996),Although some of the workers have paid their attention to the nonlinear characteristics of the global Quaternary environmental evolution(Nicolis and Nicolis,1984,Lu Houyuan et al.,1993)_,it is worth while to do this kind of work in some special areas in the world,for example the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.Using R/S analysis,the authors calculated the Hurst indexes H of some geochemical proxies,including organic carbon,FeO,Fe2O3 and FeO/Fe2O3,from the Tianshuihai Lake core in West Kunlun Mountain of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,The proxies satisfy the Hurst law with Honrg.carbon=0.735,HFe2O3=0.757,HFeO=0.848and HFeO/Fe2O3=0./646,All the indexs are greater than 0.5,meaning that from 240 to 15ka B.P.,there were some long-run dependencies-persistence in the climatic and environmental evolution around the Tianshuihai Lake area.This is in accordance with the climate there from 240 to 15ka B.P.(Yu Suhua et al.,1996),The paleo-climate and paleo-environment evolution around the Tianshuihai Lake area is of persistence as well as of fluctuation and is a combination of these two components,There are some differences between the four Hurst indexes,Which Probably resulted from the differnet intensitites of Persistence of the four proxies,organic carbon.FeO,Fe2O3 and FeO/Fe2O3,or from the change of drainage system around the Tianshuihai Lake area from opemness to closeness(Li Bingyuan et al.,1991;Sun Honglie,1996:Shi Yafeng et al.1998_).The Qinghai-Tibet plateau was the starter and sensor of the climatic and environmental variation of the surrounding areas(Yao Tandong et al.,1991;Feng Song et al., 1998) and some other scientists even regarded it as the driver and amplifier of global climatic variations (Pan Baotian and Li Jijun,1996).The persistence in which the climate and environment around the Tianshuihai Lake area evolved from 240 to 15ka B.P.is probably a function of the continuous uplift of the palteau in the same period of time.     

Taxonomic addition to the early diverged parasitic wasps (Hymenoptera: Orussoidea) from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

A new genus and species of orussoid wasps, Cretorussus vilhelmseni gen. et sp. nov., is described based on new material from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Its wing venation and body characters lead us to emend the diagnosis of the family Burmorussidae. Cretorussus vilhelmseni gen. et sp. nov. is considered to be a specialized parasitic wasp of wood-living hosts because of the orussid-like ocellar crown, antennae attached well above clypeus, and antennal grooves absent. Interestingly, the third tarsomere carries a prominent lanceolate lobe, serving as part of the host detection. We propose a summary of the orussoid fossil diversity. Lastly, we discuss the implications of several characters of Burmorussidae that are involved in host detection.     

New pelecinid wasps (Hymenoptera: Pelecinidae) from the Yixian Formation of western Liaoning,China

A new species, Shoushida infera sp. nov. and a new genus with a new species, Stelepelecinus longus gen. et sp. nov., both in Pelecinidae, are described and illustrated. All specimens were collected from the Lower Cretaceous of Yixian Formation, Jehol Biota at Huangbanjigou, Beipiao City, western Liaoning Province, China. The forewing of Shoushida infera sp. nov. has a rudimentary “X” pattern, formed by veins of Rs, Rs₁, Rs₂ and 2r-rs, which is similar to but slightly different from that of Shoushida regilla Liu, Shih et Ren, 2009. Consistent with the phylogeny of Pelecinidae reported by Shih et al., 2010, this new species and S. regilla represent a transition between basal and crown pelecinids and the rudimentary “X” pattern evolved later to a more developed and robust “X” pattern in more derived pelecinids. In addition, the long petiole of the basalmost segment of metasoma, present in the male Stelepelecinus longus gen. et sp. nov., is documented for the first time, suggesting a likely Early Cretaceous origination of metasomal evolution leading to the thin and long petiole structure in the extant male Pelecinus thoracicus. We proposed two probable pathways of the transformation of the pelecinid male metasoma from the most plesiomorphic state to the more apomorphic states.     

New data on Early Cretaceous odonatans (Stenophlebiidae,Aeschnidiidae) from northern China

Liaostenophlebia yixianensis gen. et sp. nov., a new stenophlebiid damsel-dragonfly, is described from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of western Liaoning, northern China. It is the third Chinese damsel-dragonfly belonging to the family Stenophlebiidae to be described. Liaostenophlebia gen. nov. differs from the other genera of Stenophlebiidae in having Ax2 shifted just above MAb, a transverse and narrow Hal, a more curved anterior side of the hypertriangle, and a broader cubital-anal area. Sinostenophlebia zhanjiakouensis Hong, 1984 was previously attributed to Stenophlebiidae and hardly compares with other genera within this family. A check of the plates of the type species (Sinostenophlebia zhanjiakouensis Hong, 1984) suggests that Sinostenophlebia Hong, 1984 should be a member of the family Aeschnidiidae and it is very likely that this genus is a junior synonym of Leptaeschnidium Pritykina, 1977. The new data increases the diversity of both Stenophlebiidae and Aeschnidiidae in the Lower Cretaceous of China.     

A new genus of alderflies (Megaloptera: Sialidae) in Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber

A new genus and species of Mesozoic alderfly is described as Haplosialodes liui gen. et sp. nov., and from an adult male preserved in Cretaceous Burmese amber. The new genus is closely related to the genera Haplosialis Navás (Recent fauna of Madagascar), Indosialis Lestage (Recent fauna of Southeast Asia), and Eosialis Nel et al. (Eocene of France), suggesting a possible Early Cretaceous age for the clade that comprises these groups.     

Archegocimicidae (Insecta: Heteroptera) from the Purbeck Limestone Group (Lower Cretaceous: Berriasian) of southern England

Four new genera and five new species of Archegocimicidae are described from the Lower Cretaceous of England: namely Mortalia martini gen. et sp. nov., Tyrion lannister gen. et sp. nov., T. cersei sp. nov., Stannis baratheon gen et sp. nov., Daenerys khaleesi gen. et sp. nov. A transitional position of the complex between Asian Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous entomofaunas is indicated by this new material.     

A new tribe,new genus,and new species of Mordellidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea) from the Early Cretaceous amber of Spain

The new tribe Mediumiugamiini (Coleoptera: Polyphaga: Tenebrionoidea: Mordellidae) is described based on Mediumiuga sinespinis gen. et sp. nov. It is a fossil beetle from Albian (Early Cretaceous) amber from the Peñacerrada I outcrop (Spain). It is the first Spanish beetle described in amber. The mesotibiae and mesotarsi bearing multiple dorsal–lateral ridges, running oblique, metatibiae without any dorsal or dorsal–lateral ridge, only showing a subapical ridge, and metatibiae without apical spurs, define the new tribe. A key for worldwide tribes of Mordellinae, including Mediumiugamiini, is provided. Evolution of some characters of Mordellidae along Cretaceous is discussed.     

Guanling Biota: A Marker of Triassic Biotic Recovery from the end-Permian Extinction in the Ancient Guizhou Sea

After a slow recovery from the end-Permian extinction during the Early Triassic and rapid radiation in the Middle Triassic, evolution of organisms reached a new peak phase in the Late Triassic. The Guanling Biota from the Wayao Member （conodont Paragondolella polygnathiformis Zone）, Falang Formation, Xinpu, Guanling County, Guizhou Province, southwestern China corresponds to this peak that marks the full recovery from the end-Permian extinction of marine ecosystems. The biota is of high diversity, containing well preserved and completely articulated skeletons of vertebrates comprising marine reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates including crinoids, ammonites, bivalves, and other fossils, and is one of the best examples of marine ecosystem records in life history. The fossil marine reptiles and crinoids are most significant in this biota, especially the marine reptiles, which provide an important link between the Triassic Pacific and Tethys, and between Triassic basal forms and the Jurassic-Cretaceous marine top predators. The most remarkable fossils are the large completely articulated ichthyosaur skeletons up to and more than 10 m, and the first recorded thalattosaurs and placodonts in China. Following our review, of the 17 named reptilian taxa the eight listed here are considered to be valid： three ichthyosaurs （Qianichthyosaurus zhoui Li, 1999; Guizhouichthyosaurus tangae Cao and Luo in Yin et al., 2000, Guanlingsaurus liangae Yin in Yin et al., 2000）, three thalattosaurs （Anshunsaurus huangguoshuensis Liu, 1999, Xinpusaurus suni Yin in Yin et al., 2000, Xinpusaurus kohi Jiang et al., 2004）, and two placodonts （Sinocyamodus xinpuensis Li, 2000, Psephochelys polyosteoderma Li and Rieppel, 2002）. Mixosaurus guanlingensis Cao in Yin et al., 2000 might be a junior synonym of Qianichthyosaurus zhoui Li, 1999, and Cymbospondylus asiaticus Li and You, 2002 and Panjiangsaurus epicharis Chen and Cheng, 2003 might be junior synonyms of Guizhouichthyosaurus tangae Cao and Luo in Yin et al., 2000. It needs to re-describe the holotypes after a complete preparation for clarifying the taxonomic status of Typicusichthyosaurus tsaihuae Yu in Yin et al., 2000, Xinpusaurus bamaolinensis Cheng, 2003, Neosinosaurus hoangi （Zhou in Yin et al., 2000）, Wayaosaurus geei Zhou in Yin et al., 2000, Wayaosaurus bellus Zhou in Yin et al., 2000 and Placochelys ？ minutus Yin and Luo in Yin et al., 2000.     

Carboniferous foraminifers from the lower part of Paleo-Tethyan seamount-type carbonates in the Changning-Menglian Belt, western Yunnan, Southwest China

The Changning-Menglian Belt in West Yunnan, Southwest China is well-known as a closed remnant of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean in East Asia (Wu et al., 1995; Liu et al., 1996). It is delineated to the east with the Lincang Massif by the Changning-Shuangjiang Fault and to the west with the Baoshan Block by the Kejie-Nandinghe Fault, and is generally subdivided into three zones: east, central, and west zones. In the central zone, various kinds of oceanic rocks such as harzburgite, cumulate websterite, gabbro, both mid-oceanic ridge basalt and oceanic island basalt, Devonian-Triassic radiolarian chert, and Carbonifer-ous-Permian massive and huge carbonates with basaltic effusives as their pedestal are exposed (Liu et al., 1991, 1996; Wu et al., 1995; Ueno et al., 2003). These Central zone rocks are now interpreted to have been emplaced as nappes structurally overlying the East and West zones, which are considered as consisting mainly of passive margin sediments of the Baoshan Block (Wu, 1991; Ueno et al., 2003).     

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.     

Lacewings (Insecta: Neuroptera) from the Lower Cretaceous Purbeck Limestone Group of southern England

Eight new genera and 12 new species are described from the Lower Cretaceous Purbeck Limestone Group, southern England. Sophogramma wimbledoni sp. nov. (Kalligrammatidae) is described from the Purbeck of Wiltshire. Pterinoblattina peverilensis sp. nov., Pterinoblattina fasciata sp. nov., Purbepsychopsis parallela gen. et sp. nov. (Psychopsidae), Ovalorobius edmondsi gen. et sp. nov. (Prohemerobiidae), Mesosmylidus vulgaris gen. et sp. nov., Osmylochrysa anomala gen. et sp. nov., Osmylochrysa fragilis gen. et sp. nov., Stenochrysa gradata gen. et sp. nov. (Osmylidae), Mesypochrysa minuta sp. nov. (Chrysopidae), Purbemerobius medialis gen. et sp. nov. (?Hemerobiidae), Epimesoberotha parva gen. et sp. nov. (Berothidae) and Pseudocorydasialis alleni (Neuroptera familia incertae sedis) are described from Durlston Bay, Dorset. The species Pterinoblattina penna Scudder, Pterinoblattina pluma (Giebel) (Psychopsidae) Sialium sipylus (Nymphidae) and Osmylopsis duplicata (Osmylidae) are re-examined, described and figured. The genus Valdipsychops Jepson et al. has been synonymized with Pterinoblattina.     

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.     

2Laticephalana liuyani gen. et sp. nov., a new bizarre roachoid of 2Umenocoleidae (Insecta,Dictyoptera) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber

A new genus and species of the extinct beetle-like dictyopteran family 2Umenocoleidae, 2Laticephalana liuyani gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a well-preserved adult female from mid-Cretaceous Kachin (Myanmar/Burmese) amber. The new genus is characterized by two conspicuous autapomorphies, a triangular posterior extension of the head capsule and four large protuberances of the pronotum. Both structures can be interpreted as mechanic protective devices, but alternative/additional interpretations are possible. The large female subgenital plate is an autapomorphy of Dictyoptera. The transverse pronotal furrow suggests a placement in a clade with 2Alienopteridae and Mantodea. A close relationship between 2Laticephalana and 2Enervipraela is tentatively supported by a very narrow pronotum and relatively short antennae. The very broad head of 2Laticephalana with widely separated large compound eyes indicates predaceous habits, and the slender body and well-developed hindwings good flying abilities. The specializations of the distal legs, very similar to the conditions found in 2Alienopteridae, suggest a preference for the foliage of trees and shrubs.     

New fossil flower bugs (Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha: Cimicoidea: Vetanthocoridae) with uniquely long ovipositor from the Yixian Formation (Lower Cretaceous), China

A new genus and new species, Longilanceolatus tenellus gen. et sp. nov., is described and assigned to the tribe Vetanthocorini of the fossil family Vetanthocoridae. In addition, a new species, Curvicaudus spinosus sp. nov., is also described. All specimens were collected from the Lower Cretaceous of the Yixian Formation at Huangbanjigou, Chaomidian Village, Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, northeastern China. Body size, ovipositor length, abdomen length, and other characters of eleven genera from the Middle Jurassic to Eocene are summarized. Comparison of body size of all specimens in the Vetanthocoridae and Anthocoridae (sensu lato) indicate a general trend toward smaller body size through their evolution. Moreover, Longilanceolatus, with uniquely long ovipositor, is related to a different type of oviposition compared with extant flower bugs.     

New polymorphic psyllipsocids from Burmese amber (Psocodea: Psyllipsocidae)

Annulipsyllipsocus andreneli gen. et sp. nov. and A. inexspectatus gen. et sp. nov., the first records of the Psyllipsocidae from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar are described, illustrated and their taxonomic position discussed. The new genus is characterized by antennae with 16 segments; flagellomeres with secondary annulations; radial cell closed, five-angled, bulged on its R1 border; triangular pterostigma. Species belonging to Annulipsyllipsocus gen. nov. are polymorphic. The described taxa represent the earliest evidence for polymorphism in Psocodea. A checklist of all known species of Psyllipsocidae is given.     

New lacewings (Insecta: Neuroptera) from the Lower Cretaceous Wealden supergroup of Southern England

Eight new genera and thirteen new species of lacewings (Neuroptera) are described from the Lower Cretaceous Wealden Supergroup, Weald Sub-basin: Principiala rudgwickensis sp. nov. (Ithonidae), Stenomylina medialis gen. et sp. nov., Protosmylina bifasciata gen. et sp. nov. (Osmylidae), Cretapsychops corami gen. et sp. nov., Micropsychops parallelus gen. et sp. nov., Valdipsychops logunovi gen. et sp. nov., V. brigidae gen. et sp. nov., V. maculosus gen. et sp. nov., V. proudlovei gen. et sp. nov., V. minimus gen. et sp. nov., Psychopsites rolandi gen. et sp. nov. (Psychopsidae), Actinophlebioides valdensis gen. et sp. nov. and Protohemerobius perexiguus gen. et sp. nov. (Neuroptera familia incertae sedis). Psychopsidae are shown to dominate the neuropteran fauna, while the presence of Brongniartiellidae has not been confirmed in the Wealden, due to previously thought representatives of this family being in fact psychopsids. This is the first fossil record of Ithonidae and Osmylidae in Britain. The range of Kalligrammatidae has been extended in the Cretaceous of Britain from the mid-Valanginian to early Barremian.     

Electrodysagrion lini gen. et sp. nov., the oldest Dysagrionini (Odonata: Zygoptera: Dysagrionidae) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber

The dysagrionid damselflies are relatively diverse in Burmese amber, with two genera already recorded. A new dysagrionid damselfly, Electrodysagrion lini Zheng, Nel and Wang, gen. et sp. nov., corresponding to the oldest record of the tribe Dysagrionini, is described herein. It has the unique ‘sieblosiid-dysagrionine’ type of discoidal cell. It differs from other genera of Dysagrionini in having no antenodal crossveins distal of Ax2, Arc aligned with Ax2, and only one row of cells in the cubito-anal area below the nodus. This find puts the origin of Dysagrionini back to at least the mid-Cretaceous.