Cnemidolestodea (Insecta): an ancient order reinstated

摘要

The insect orders Caloneurodea, Titanoptera and Mantophasmatodea are restored (contra Hamilton 2003). The fossil insect order Cnemidolestodea Handlirsch, 1937 is redefined. Its definition, diagnosis and relationships are reformulated. It includes the following genera: Cnemidolestes Handlirsch, 1906; Protodiamphipnoa Lameere, 1917; Bouleites Lameere, 1917; Ischnoneura Brongniart, 1893; Narkemina Martynov, 1930; Narkeminospis Whalley, 1979; Aetophlebia Scudder, 1885; Amphiboliacridites Langiaux & Parriat, 1974; Paranarkemina Pinto & Pinto de Ornellas, 1980; Narkema Handlirsch, 1911. This clade has no known representatives younger than Late Carboniferous. This is the first evidence of the extinction of a high-rank insect taxon at this period. The hypothesis that insects experienced a faunal turnover from the Late Carboniferous to the Early Permian needs to be tested.