The first Permian Diaphanopterodea (Insecta, Megasecopteromorpha) from China

Abstract

A new Diaphanopterodea (Insecta, Palaeoptera, Megasecopteromorpha), Sinoelmoa yangquanensis gen. et sp. nov., is described based on a single specimen discovered from the Shuiquan Gully locality (Shanxi Formation; Permian, Cisuralian, Asselian; China). A broad comparative analysis of the wing venation of the known members of the diaphanopterodean families Parelmoidae and Elmoidae allowed assigning the new taxon to the former family. This new occurrence represents the first record of a Permian Diaphanopterodea from China, and both the earliest and most oriental record for the Parelmoidae. It sheds new light on the distribution and diversity of these extinct taxa.