Tomographic reconstruction of neopterous carboniferous insect nymphs

PLoS One. 2012;7(9):e45779. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045779. Epub 2012 Sep 25.

Abstract

Two new polyneopteran insect nymphs from the Montceau-les-Mines Lagerstätte of France are presented. Both are preserved in three dimensions, and are imaged with the aid of X-ray micro-tomography, allowing their morphology to be recovered in unprecedented detail. One-Anebos phrixos gen. et sp. nov.-is of uncertain affinities, and preserves portions of the antennae and eyes, coupled with a heavily spined habitus. The other is a roachoid with long antennae and chewing mouthparts very similar in form to the most generalized mandibulate mouthparts of extant orthopteroid insects. Computer reconstructions reveal limbs in both specimens, allowing identification of the segments and annulation in the tarsus, while poorly developed thoracic wing pads suggest both are young instars. This work describes the morphologically best-known Palaeozoic insect nymphs, allowing a better understanding of the juveniles' palaeobiology and palaeoecology. We also consider the validity of evidence from Palaeozoic juvenile insects in wing origin theories. The study of juvenile Palaeozoic insects is currently a neglected field, yet these fossils provide direct evidence on the evolution of insect development. It is hoped this study will stimulate a renewed interest in such work.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • Carbon / chemistry*
  • Classification
  • Fossils
  • France
  • Insecta / anatomy & histology*
  • Insecta / growth & development
  • Nymph
  • Phylogeny
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*
  • Wings, Animal / anatomy & histology
  • Wings, Animal / physiology
  • X-Ray Microtomography / methods*

Substances

  • Carbon

Grants and funding

Part of this work was funded by a Natural Environment Research Council PhD studentship awarded to RG (http://www.nerc.ac.uk). No additional external funding was received for this study. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.