A new griffenfly genus from the Late Carboniferous of northern France (Odonatoptera: Meganeuridae)

Abstract

Abstract

Gallotupus oudardi, new genus and species of Meganeuridae is described from the Late Carboniferous of Northern France. Potential phylogenetic implications of two wing venation structures present in meganeurids are discussed on the basis of this new fossil. The most basal antenodal brace Ax0 could be a potential synapomorphy of the Meganeuridae with the Odonatoclada. The 'subnodus' could have been a structure related to larval tracheation in meganeurids, exapted as a part of the complex nodal structure in modern Odonata, related to flight. Lastly the shortly petiolated wing of Gallotupus is analogous to similar wing shapes of several Mesozoic, Cenozoic, and modern nodialatan lineages.