Discovery of the oxyporine rove beetle in the Mesozoic amber and its evolutionary implications for mycophagy (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). (June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yamamoto, Shûhei
• Is Part Of: Cretaceous research. Volume 74(2017)
• Page Start: 198
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2017-06
• Subjects: Oxyporinae -- New species -- Mycophagy -- Myanmar -- Cenomanian; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Cretaceous -- Periodicals; 551.77
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2017.02.018
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6671

Abstract

Abstract: Oxyporinae is a distinct staphylinid subfamily characterized by a large body, remarkably long and projecting mandibles, and large, crescent-shaped terminal labial palpomeres. Previously, only three compression fossils from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation in China were known for the subfamily from the Mesozoic Era. This study describes a remarkable new species, Oxyporus cretaceous sp. nov., based on a single specimen in Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber. This finding is the earliest record of Oxyporinae preserved as amber inclusion. The well preserved mouthparts suggest that mycophagous feeding habits had already been acquired by the mid-Cretaceous. Highlights: The oldest Oxyporinae preserved in amber is described from Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber. Oxyporus cretaceous sp. nov. has well-preserved antennae and mouthparts. These morphological features suggest that they were already mycophagous by the mid-Cretaceous.