Description

Cretaceous Adult Neuropteran, most likely extinct or lineage within Neuroptera, probable mantidfly (Family: Mantispidae), or close relative

Specimen highlights:
– Long prothorax, raptorial forelegs, wing venation patterns

Taxon: cf. Mantispidae (Neuroptera: Hemerobiformia)
Locality: Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, Myanmar
Stratigraphy: Upper Cretaceous, Cenomanian (~99 Ma)
Specimen Code: UI-G-07-25

Morphological Details:

Head:

• Orthognathous (forward-facing), with large compound eyes and visible multi-segmented antennae (filiform).

• Mandibles and palps are visible in some images but distorted by resin flow.

• Prothorax:

  • Elongated, narrow, characteristic of mantidflies and other ambush predators within Neuroptera.

  • This region acts like a “neck,” allowing extended mobility of the head and raptorial limbs.

• Forelegs:

  • Modified into raptorial grasping limbs, similar in form to mantids (Mantodea), but a defining trait of Mantispidae.

  • Coxa and femur are enlarged, tibia armed with spines, and tarsi appear short.

• Wings:

  • Two pairs of large membranous wings, with reticulate venation consistent with Neuroptera.

  • The forewing extends well past the abdomen and appears intact, revealing costal field and crossveins.

• Abdomen:

  • Cylindrical and moderately elongate; segmentation clearly visible; genitalia not resolved.

  • Setae scattered along posterior tergites.

Dimensions: 41x24x11 mm

Weight: 35.175 cts