Zur systematischen Stellung mesozoischer und tertiärer Mecopteren einschließlichEoses triassica Tindale (angeblich Lepidoptera) (Insecta,Holometabola)

Eoses triassica Tindale, by many authors regarded as the oldest representative of the Lepidoptera, is a member of the order Mecoptera.Orthophlebia reticulata (Handlirsch 1906), andO. latipennis (Handlirsch 1906) from the Upper Lias of Mecklenburg (Germany) are synonyms ofO. Limnophila (Handlirsch 1906).O. elegans (Handlirsch 1939) is a synonym ofO. vicina (Handlirsch 1939). TheOrthophlebioides-problem is discussed in the light of Handlirsch’s argumentation. Contrary to Handlirsch’s opinion this genus represents the hind wings ofOrthophlebia as previous authors suggested. Reasons are offered for the synonymy ofSynorthophlebia withOrthophlebia andMesopanorpa, respectively.Limfiordia from the Mo-clay of the Limfjord area (Denmark) is not a scorpion-fly but a member of the Fulgoriformes (Auchenorrhyncha).Parachorista Lin 1976 (nom. praeocc, nonParachorista Tillyard 1926) from the Jurassic of China does not belong to the Orthophlebiidae (Mecoptera) but to the Trichoptera.     

The taxonomic status of Architipula fragmentosa (Bode) and the family Eoasilidae (Diptera) from the Lower Jurassic

The fossil species Architipula fragmentosa (Bode) comb. nov. (Diptera: Nematocera: Limoniidae) from the German Upper Lias (Lower Jurassic) is redescribed. This species was originally described by Bode (1953) in a new monotypic genus as Eoasilidea fragmentosa and placed in the Brachycera, with Eoasilidea as the type-genus of a new family Eoasilidae. This family is here synonymized with the Limoniidae (Nematocera), and the genus Eoasilidea is synonymized with Architipula Handlirsch .     

Preservational modes of some ichthyosaur soft tissues (Reptilia,Ichthyopterygia) from the Jurassic Posidonia Shale of Germany

Konservat-Lagerstätten, such as the Toarcian (Early Jurassic) Posidonia Shale of southwestern Germany, are renowned for their spectacular fossils. Ichthyosaur skeletons recovered from this formation are frequently associated with soft tissues; however, the preserved material ranges from three-dimensional, predominantly phosphatized structures to dark films of mainly organic matter. We examined soft-tissue residues obtained from two ichthyosaur specimens using an integrated ultrastructural and geochemical approach. Our analyses revealed that the superficially-looking ‘films’ in fact comprise sections of densely aggregated melanosome (pigment) organelles sandwiched between phosphatized layers containing fibrous microstructures. We interpret this distinct layering as representing condensed and incompletely degraded integument from both sides of the animal. When compared against previously documented ichthyosaur fossils, it becomes readily apparent that a range of preservational modes exists between presumed ‘phosphatic’ and ‘carbonized’ soft-tissue remains. Some specimens show high structural fidelity (e.g. distinct integumentary layering), while others, including the fossils examined in this study, retain few original anatomical details. This diversity of soft-tissue preservational modes among Posidonia Shale ichthyosaurs offers a unique opportunity to examine different biostratinomic, taphonomic and diagenetic variables that potentially could affect the process of fossilization. It is likely that soft-tissue preservation in the Posidonia Shale was regulated by a multitude of factors, including decay efficiency and speed of phosphatic mineral nucleation; these in turn were governed by a seafloor with sustained microbial mat activity fuelled by high organic matter input and seasonally fluctuating oxygen levels.     

A new genus and species of the cockroach family Blattulidae from Lebanese amber (Dictyoptera,Blattina)

A new genus and species of the cockroach family Blattulidae, Ocelloblattula ponomarenkoi gen. et sp. nov., are described from the Early Cretaceous Lebanese amber. In the wing venation, the new genus is extremely similar to the Jurassic genus Blattula Handlirsch, differing from the latter in a number of characters in its body structure. This find reveals much about the body structure of the extinct family Blattulidae, which is related to ancestors of the suborders Mantina and Blattina.     

New and little-known grylloblattids of the family Geinitziidae (Insecta: Grylloblattida) from the Triassic and Jurassic of Europe,Asia, and South Africa

The fossil history of the family Geinitziidae is reviewed. New taxa are described in the family: Shurabia hissarica, sp. nov. (Lower Jurassic of Tajikistan), Sh. shartegica, sp. nov. (Upper Jurassic of Mongolia), Sh. serrata, sp. nov. and Ginitzia sagulensis, sp. nov. (both Lower Jurassic of Kyrgyzstan). The subfamily Stegopterinae Sharov, 1961 is synonymized under Geinitziinae Handlirsch, 1906. The genera Minesedes Fujiyama, 1973 and Ominea Fujiyama, 1973 (Upper Triassic of Japan) are synonymized under Shurabia Martynov, 1937 and Geinitzia Handlirsch, 1906, respectively. Geinitzia varia Bode, 1953 (Lower Jurassic of Germany) and Fletchizia picturata Riek, 1976 (Upper Triassic of South Africa) are redescribed from their holotypes. F. kapokraalensis Wappler, 2001 and F. aleda Wappler, 2001 (both Upper Triassic of South Africa) are transferred to the genus Shurabia.     

A new long-proboscid genus of Pseudopolycentropodidae (Mecoptera) from the Middle Jurassic of China and its plant-host specializations

We describe a new genus and species of Mecoptera with siphonate mouthparts, Sinopolycentropus rasnitsynigen. et sp. n., assigned to the family Pseudopolycentropodidae Handlirsch, 1925. The specimen was collected from late Middle Jurassic nonmarine strata of the Jiulongshan Formation in Inner Mongolia, northeastern China. The new material provides additional evidence for an early diversification of pseudopolycentropodids that was ongoing during the Middle Jurassic. This diversity also adds to the variety of known pseudopolycentropodids with tubular proboscides that apparently fed on ovulate fluids produced by Mesozoic gymnosperms.     

Revision ofMesorhyphus Handlirsch,Eoplecia Handlirsch andHeterorhyphus Bode (Diptera: Anisopodomorpha,Bibionomorpha) from the upper liassic of Germany

The holotypes of the Lower Jurassic DipteraMesorhyphus nanus Handlirsch 1920,M. areolatus Handlirsch 1939,M. anomalus Handlirsch 1939,Eoplecia primitiva Handlirsch 1920,Heterorhyphus latus Bode 1953,H. analivarius Bode 1953 andProtorhyphus (?)ovisimilis Bode 1953 were re-examined. The holotype ofEoplecia primitiva is the counterpart ofMesorhyphus areolatus. M. areolatus is a junior synonym ofM. nanus. Mesorrhyphoides Rohdendorf 1962 is a synonym ofHeterorhyphus Bode 1953.Heterorhyphus analivarius is a synonym ofProtorhyphus (?)ovisimilis, being mistakenly described from the counterpart of the holotype of the latter. The genusHeterorhyphus is valid and comprises onlyH. anomalus (Handlirsch 1939) n. comb.;H. latus is a synonym of the latter species. As the wing venation ofHeterorhyphus is conspicuously different from all fossil and Recent Anisopodomorpha, it is placed into a new family, Heterorhyphidae, within the Bibionomorpha.     

The taphonomic fate of isorenieratene in Lower Jurassic shales—controlled by iron?

Fossil derivatives of isorenieratene, an accessory pigment in brown‐colored green sulfur bacteria, are often used as tracers for photic zone anoxia through Earth's history, but their diagenetic behavior is still incompletely understood. Here, we assess the preservation of isorenieratene derivatives in organic‐rich shales (1.5–8.4 wt.% TOC) from two Lower Jurassic anoxic systems (Bächental oil shale, Tyrol, Austria; Posidonia Shale, Baden‐Württemberg, Germany). Bitumens and kerogens were investigated using catalytic hydropyrolysis (HyPy), closed‐system hydrous pyrolysis (in gold capsules), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography combustion isotope ratio‐mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS). Petrography and biomarkers indicate a syngenetic relationship between bitumens and kerogens. All bitumens contain abundant isorenieratane, diverse complex aromatized isorenieratene derivatives, and a pseudohomologous series of 2,3,6‐trimethyl aryl isoprenoids. In contrast, HyPy and mild closed‐system hydrous pyrolysis of the kerogens yielded only minor amounts of these compounds. Given the overall low maturity of the organic matter (below oil window), it appears that isorenieratene and its abundant derivatives from the bitumen had not been incorporated into the kerogens. Accordingly, sulfur cross‐linking, the key mechanism for sequestration of functionalized lipids into kerogens in anoxic systems, was not effective in the Jurassic environments studied. We explain this by (i) early cyclization/aromatization and (ii) hydrogenation reactions that have prevented effective sulfurization. In addition, (iii) sulfide was locally removed via anoxygenic photosynthesis and efficiently trapped by the reaction with sedimentary iron, as further indicated by elevated iron contents (4.0–8.7 wt.%) and the presence of abundant pyrite aggregates in the rock matrix. Although the combined processes have hampered the kerogen incorporation of isorenieratene and its derivatives, they may have promoted the long‐term preservation of these biomarkers in the bitumen fraction via early defunctionalization. This particular taphonomy of aromatic carotenoids has to be considered in studies of anoxic iron‐rich environments (e.g., the Proterozoic ocean).     

Partial skeleton of Dracopelta zbyszewskii N. Gen. And N. SP., an ankylosaurian dinosaur from the Upper Jurassic of Portugal

The holotype of the nodosaurid ankylosaur Dracopelta zbyszewskii n. gen. and n. sp. is described from the Kimmeridgian(Upper Jurassic) of Ribomar on the west coast of Portugal. This is the first Upper Jurassic ankylosaur to be described that is represented by articulated bones. The specimen consists of a partial rib cage with thirteen dorsal vertebrae and five different types of dermal armor, two of wich show a partial overlap between adjacent plates.     

New early Jurassic decapod crustacean from Patagonia (Chubut province), Argentina

A well-preserved decapod specimen was found in early Toarcian deposits cropping out on the western slope of Meseta Catreleo, central Chubut province, Argentina. It is a nearly complete exoskeleton preserved in lateral view, slightly crushed, in fine-grained sandstones. The skeleton is mostly articulated, though some pieces are disarticulated or missing. Taphonomic features indicate a relatively rapid burial after death, with little or no transport. This specimen is here described as a new species of the genus Mecochirus Germar (Decapoda: Glypheoidea). Mecochirus robbianoi n. sp. is characterized by a very long, achelate, first pair of pereiopods with a narrow, long, straight dactylus, a thin carapace ornamented by low tubercules, with a slightly oblique cervical groove and a short acute rostrum. The family Mecochiridae arose in the Triassic, but the group diversified during the Early Jurassic. Mecochirus had a wide geographical distribution and is known for sure from Lower Jurassic to Upper Cretaceous deposits. The new record from Chubut is one of the oldest for the genus, the oldest for South America, and the first for Argentina, thus considerably extending the known distribution of the genus during the Early Jurassic.     

Skeletal microstructure of Stenopterygius quadriscissus (Reptilia,Ichthyosauria) from the Posidonienschiefer (Posidonia Shale,Lower Jurassic) of Germany

Ichthyosaurians (Ichthyosauria) are a major clade of secondarily aquatic marine tetrapods that occupied several major predatory niches during the Mesozoic Era. Multiple lines of evidence including isotopic, body shape and swimming modality analyses suggest they exhibited elevated growth and metabolic rates, and body temperatures. However, applications of osteohistological methods to test hypotheses regarding their physiology are few. Previous studies focused on the humeri, vertebrae and ribs from a small number of taxa. Here, we use osteohistological methods to describe the bone microstructure of over 30 cranial and post‐cranial elements from a nearly complete, articulated individual of Stenopterygius quadriscissus from the Posidonienschiefer Formation (Posidonia Shale, Lower Jurassic) of Germany. The specimen shows highly vascularized primary bone and spongious secondary bone in its limbs, suggesting an overall shift to a lighter spongious‐structured skeleton was achieved through multiple developmental mechanisms. The modified perichondral ossification in elements of the limbs distal to the stylopodium informs our understanding of functional morphology, including hydrodynamic forces on the paddles. The ribs show variation in cortical thickness and trabecular organization along their length. Cyclical growth is inferred from changes in vascularization and osteocyte density as well as the presence of annuli in primary fibrolamellar bone. Cranial elements, due to their relative density and better preservation of growth marks, may prove to be of particular importance in future skeletochronological studies of post‐Triassic ichthyosaurians. We infer and corroborate hypotheses of elevated growth rates and metabolic rates in ichthyosaurians, and the potential for thermoregulation similar to extant homeothermic ectotherms.     

A new phosphatic‐shelled cirripede (Crustacea,Thoracica) from the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) of Germany – the oldest epiplanktonic barnacle

A new genus and species of phosphatic‐shelled eolepadid barnacle from the Posidonia Shale (Toarcian, falciferum Zone) of Zell u. Aichelberg, southern Germany, is described as Toarcolepas mutans gen. et sp. nov. Numerous disarticulated individuals, associated with fossil wood, are present in a piece of concretionary limestone, and these are interpreted as having lived epiplanktonically attached to driftwood. The taxonomy of the Late Triassic – Early Cretaceous family Eolepadidae is reviewed, and two further species (T. gaveyi (Withers, 1920) and T. lotharingica (Méchin, 1901)) are referred to Toarcolepas. The chemistry of valve composition of the Carboniferous Praelepas and Triassic–Jurassic eolepadid cirripedes is investigated using X‐ray dispersive analysis, and the ubiquitous presence of abundant phosphorus is taken as evidence that these taxa had a primary phosphatic composition, now preserved as francolite. A significant change in shell chemistry from phosphate to calcium carbonate took place during the evolution of the Thoracica, during the Late Triassic or Early Jurassic. The driving force behind this change may have been related to the reduced predation pressure associated with acquisition of an epiplanktonic mode of life. Calcite is softer, but energetically cheaper to deposit than phosphate mineral phases.     

A new shell-bearing organism from the Cambrian Spence Shale of Utah

A new shell-bearing organism with preserved soft tissue, Armilimax pauljamisoni n. gen. n. sp., is reported from the middle Cambrian (Miaolingian: Wuliuan) Miners Hollow locality of the Spence Shale of northern Utah. The described organism is known from a single articulated specimen and preserves a prominent shell, a slug-like body, as well as a U-shaped digestive tract. Its overall appearance is similar to halkieriids, but it does not preserve sclerites. The possible affinities of the new taxon and potential reasons for the presence of a U-shaped gut are discussed. Armilimax pauljamisoni is the first shell-bearing animal of its kind from the Great Basin and extends the diversity of body plans in the Spence Shale Fossil-Lagerstätte.     

Animal behavior frozen in time: gregarious behavior of Early Jurassic lobsters within an ammonoid body chamber

Direct animal behavior can be inferred from the fossil record only in exceptional circumstances. The exceptional mode of preservation of ammonoid shells in the Posidonia Shale (Lower Jurassic, lower Toarcian) of Dotternhausen in southern Germany, with only the organic periostracum preserved, provides an excellent opportunity to observe the contents of the ammonoid body chamber because this periostracum is translucent. Here, we report upon three delicate lobsters preserved within a compressed ammonoid specimen of Harpoceras falciferum. We attempt to explain this gregarious behavior. The three lobsters were studied using standard microscopy under low angle light. The lobsters belong to the extinct family of the Eryonidae; further identification was not possible. The organic material of the three small lobsters is preserved more than halfway into the ammonoid body chamber. The lobsters are closely spaced and are positioned with their tails oriented toward each other. The specimens are interpreted to represent corpses rather than molts. The lobsters probably sought shelter in preparation for molting or against predators such as fish that were present in Dotternhausen. Alternatively, the soft tissue of the ammonoid may have been a source of food that attracted the lobsters, or it may have served as a long-term residency for the lobsters (inquilinism). The lobsters represent the oldest known example of gregariousness amongst lobsters and decapods in the fossil record. Gregarious behavior in lobsters, also known for extant lobsters, thus developed earlier in earth's history than previously known. Moreover, this is one of the oldest known examples of decapod crustaceans preserved within cephalopod shells.     

Stalked crinoids from a Jurassic tidal deposit in western North America

This is the first systematic and paleoecological study of a crinoidal limestone (encrinite) from the Jurassic System of North America. The encrinite is part of a shallow-water tidal facies of the Middle Jurassic Carmel Formation located at Mount Carmel Junction (southwestern Utah, U.S.A.) and may represent one of the youngest shallow-water encrinites in the geological record. In the past, the crinoid at this locality was referred to as Pentacrinus asteriscus, a name used to describe almost all of the crinoid columnals found throughout the Jurassic of the U.S. western interior. However, systematic work indicates that the crinoid is Isocrinus nicoleti and is the first non-endemic crinoid to be reported from North American Jurassic strata. Although articulated pinnules and arms have been found, I. nicoleti occurs predominantly as well-preserved, partially articulated columnals. The crinoids occur within a tidal complex consisting of ooid shoal, tidal channel, and lagoonal facies. The unique environmental and ecological conditions which existed in the southernmost end of the Jurassic North America seaway may have allowed for the development of this crinoid colony and subsequent deposition of the encrinite.     

On the types of mesozoic archostematan beetles (Insecta, Coleoptera, Archostemata) in the Natural History Museum, London

About 40 type specimens of archostematan beetles from the Jurassic, Lower Cretaceous, and Paleogene of England, named by P. Brodie, J.O. Westwood, C. Giebel, A. Handlirsch, F. Zeuner, P. Whalley, and R. Crowson and stored in the Paleontological Department of the Natural History Museum (London) are redescribed. Nine genera and 11 species are recognized, three genera are assigned to Archostemata for the first time. One new species, Tersus crowsoni (Schizophoridae), is described.     

AN ORIBATID MITE (ARACHNIDA: ACARI) FROM THE OXFORD CLAY (JURASSIC: UPPER CALLOVIAN) OF SOUTH CAVE STATION QUARRY, YORKSHIRE, UK

Abstract:  A single specimen of a new species of oribatid mite belonging to the genus Jureremus Krivolutsky, in Krivolutsky and Krassilov 1977 , previously described from the Upper Jurassic of the Russian Far East, is described as J. phippsi sp. nov. The mite is preserved by iron pyrite replacement, and was recovered by sieving from the Oxford Clay Formation (Jurassic: Upper Callovian) of South Cave, Yorkshire. It is the first record of a pre-Pleistocene mite, and the second species record of the family Cymbaeremaeidae, from the British Isles; also, it is only the third record of Acari from the Jurassic Period. The presence of a terrestrial mite in a sedimentary sequence of open marine origin is noteworthy, and suggestions for its mode of transport to the site of deposition are discussed.     

New fossil mantidflies (Insecta: Neuroptera: Mantispidae) from the Mesozoic of north‐eastern China

Abstract:  Three new genera and four new species of the extinct mantidfly subfamily Mesomantispinae (Insecta: Neuroptera: Mantispidae) are described from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Liaoning and the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Inner Mongolia: Archaeodrepanicus nuddsi gen. et sp. nov., A. acutus gen. et sp. nov., Sinomesomantispa microdentata gen. et sp. nov., (Yixian Formation) and Clavifemora rotundata gen. et sp. nov. (Jiulongshan Formation). The specimens described herein represent the first Mesozoic mantidfly compression fossils to have body parts preserved, including the specialized raptorial forelegs articulated to the prothorax anteriorly, an autapomorphy of the family. These new taxa further confirm the placement of the subfamily Mesomantispinae within the family Mantispidae; however, the monophyly of Mesomantispinae has not been confirmed, and it is likely that it will prove to be paraphyletic.     

A catshark (Neoselachii, Carcharhiniformes, Scyliorhinidae) from the Late Jurassic of Germany

A new genus and species of catshark (Neoselachii, Carcharhiniformes, Scyliorhinidae) —Bavariscyllium tischlingeri n. gen. n. sp. — is described from the Late Jurassic (Tithonian) Plattenkalke of South Germany. The new taxon is known from a single articulated skeleton having the skull, the trunk and all of the fins preserved. The position of the first dorsal fin in relation to the pelvic fins and the dental morphology shows that the specimen belongs into the neoselachian family Scyliorhinidae. Two isolated tooth crowns from the Kimmeridgian of North Germany are identified asBavariscyllium sp. and represent the oldest unambigious fossil record of the Scyliorhinidae known so far.