A new genus and species of Breyeriidae and wings of immature stages from the Upper Carboniferous, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France (Insecta: Palaeodictyoptera)
Abstract
A new palaeodictyopterid, Aviobreyeria gracilis gen.n., sp.n., is described from an outcrop of Upper Carboniferous (Westphalian CID) deposits at Avion in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais department (France). This new taxon is placed in the family Breyeriidae based on a comparison of the pattern of venation in its forewing venation with that of other breyeriids and possibly related genera within the Breyerioidea.
In addition, wings of different immature instars of palaeodictyopterids from the same strata with a similar pattern of venation but differing in having an enlarged RP and a broader anal area (supposed hind wings) were also tentatively attributed to Breyeriidae gen. et sp. indet.. These wings have a roughly identifiable venation and exhibit the gradual development of wings through different ontogenetic stages and their position on the thorax, which is sparsely documented for Paleozoic insects.
Discovery of immature and adult stages of palaeodictyopterids in the same layers also indicates they lived in similar habitats.