The structure of wing in the earliest Permopsocida

Area of Science:

• Paleontology
• Entomology
• Insect Evolution

Background:

• Permopsocida are sucking insects closely related to Hemiptera and Thysanoptera.
• The earliest known Permopsocida fossils were previously dated to the Early Permian.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present evidence for an earlier occurrence of Permopsocida in Pennsylvanian deposits.
• To describe a new genus and species, Carbonopsocus mercuryi gen. et sp. nov.

Main Methods:

• Fossil insect material from Pennsylvanian (Moscovian) deposits in Germany was analyzed.
• Wing venation patterns, including vein branching, areola postica shape, pterostigma, and vannus formation, were examined for taxonomic diagnosis.
• Comparative analysis with existing Permopsocida and related insect taxa was performed.

Main Results:

• Fossil evidence indicates Permopsocida existed earlier than previously known, in Pennsylvanian (Moscovian) deposits.
• A new genus and species, Carbonopsocus mercuryi gen. et sp. nov. (family Psocidiidae), is described based on unique wing venation characteristics.
• The Y-vein formation in Carbonopsocus mercuryi may represent a symplesiomorphy linking Psocodea, Permopsocida, and Hemiptera.
• Another specimen, Dichentomum cf. arroyo, confirms the genus's presence near the Carboniferous-Permian boundary.

Conclusions:

• Carbonopsocus mercuryi gen. et sp. nov. represents the earliest known Permopsocida, establishing an earlier origin for the group.
• This discovery roots the Acercaria evolutionary tree and provides crucial insights into early insect diversification.
• The findings enhance our understanding of insect evolution and biogeography during the Pennsylvanian-Permian transition.