Protodonata
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The Protodonata or Meganisoptera are an extinct order of very large to gigantic Palaeozoic (Late Carboniferous to Late Permian) insects, similar in appearance to, and related to, dragonflies. They include the largest known insects, such as the late Carboniferous Meganeura monyi, Megatypus and the even larger (wingspan 71 cm) early Permian Meganeuropsis permiana) (Grimaldi & Engel 2005 p.175).
The fore and hind wings are similar in venation (a primitive feature) except for the larger anal (rearwards) area in the hind wing. The fore wing is usually more slender and slightly longer than the hind wing.
Most specimens are known from wing fragments only; with only a few as complete wings, and even fewer (of the family Meganeuridae) with body impressions. These show a globose head with large dentate mandibles, strong spiny legs, a large thorax, and long and slender dragonfly-like abdomen.
Although sometimes included under the dragonflies, the Protodonata lack certain distinctive wing features that characterise the Odonata. Grimaldi and Engel, pointing out that the colloquial term "giant dragonfly" is therefore misleading, suggest "griffinfly" instead.
[edit] External links
- Phylogenetic Systematics of Odonata by Günter Bechly, 2005
[edit] References
- Carpenter, F. M. 1992. Superclass Hexapoda. Volume 3 of Part R, Arthropoda 4; Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology, Boulder, Colorado, Geological Society of America.
- Grimaldi, David and Engel, Michael S. (2005-05-16). Evolution of the Insects. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-82149-5.
- Tasch, Paul, 1973, 1980 Paleobiology of the Invertebrates, John Wiley and Sons, p.617
