中国科学院南京地质古生物研究所机构知识库

A new genus and species of the extinct beetle-like clictyopteran family Umenocoleidae, Laticephalana 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 dale with tAlienopteridae and Mantoclea. A close relationship between Latic-ephalana and Enervipmela is tentatively supported by a very narrow pronotum and relatively short antennae. The very broad head of Laticephalana 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 Alienopteridae, suggest a preference for the foliage of trees and shrubs. (C) 2021 The Geologists` Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.