Early Cretaceous termites in amber from northern Spain (Isoptera). (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sánchez-García, Alba; Peñalver, Enrique; Delclòs, Xavier; Engel, Michael S.
• Is Part Of: Cretaceous research. Volume 110(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Albian -- Cretaceous -- Amber -- Euisoptera -- Eusociality -- Taxonomy; Geology, Stratigraphic -- Cretaceous -- Periodicals; 551.77
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2020.104385
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6671

Abstract

Abstract: Two virtually complete termites in Lower Cretaceous amber from the Peñacerrada I outcrop, Spain, are described and figured, representing the most well-preserved Isoptera yet discovered from the Albian stage. The material is described as Ithytermes montoyai gen. et sp. nov., and is similar in many details to the slightly younger Krishnatermes yoddha Engel, Barden, and Grimaldi from northern Myanmar amber. Given the presence of distinct soldiers in this grade of Cretaceous termites, it is likely that I. montoyai also exhibited such a tripartite caste system. In addition to the type material of I. montoyai, two fragmentary termites are recorded for the first time in Albian amber from the El Soplao outcrop, and in the few preserved details these taxa are not conspecific with the former. Highlights: A new genus and species of large Isoptera is described from Peñacerrada I amber. The species was of the Meiatermes grade and likely had complex tripartite castes. Two fragmentary termites are recorded for the first time from El Soplao amber. The Albian fauna of Spain harbored a diversity of primitive-grade termite lineages.