Search

Competition is one of the most critical factors affecting animal behaviors. Aggressive interactions are central to acquiring resources or mating partners. Agonistic behavior is more common among males than females. Although laboratory observations of these behaviors give detailed descriptions under controlled conditions, field observations without human intervention are required because those supply information that provides insights into their function. In this paper, we report on the field observation and auxiliary laboratory experiments of male–male agonistic behavior of a wood‐feeding cockroach, Panesthia angustipennis, and discuss its strategy. In the field, a male pushed the opponent with the horn on the pronotum out of a gap between two logs, under which a female was. After pushing, the male repeatedly returned to a place close to the female, even if it did not subdue the opponent entirely. It suggests that the male–male agonistic behavior in P. angustipennis has both attack and avoidance. The bout was repeated as the ejected male reapproached the male. In contrast, the inferior male often escaped in the laboratory recording after field observation. Keeping the fighting experience for several days may contribute to the males avoiding a "losing battle." This study significantly enhances our understanding of the mating strategy of P. angustipennis through male–male agonistic behavior and provides possibilities for its cognitive aspects from the fighting experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Competition is one of the most critical factors affecting animal behaviors. Aggressive interactions are central to acquiring resources or mating partners. Agonistic behavior is more common among males than females. Although laboratory observations of these behaviors give detailed descriptions under controlled conditions, field observations without human intervention are required because those supply information that provides insights into their function. In this paper, we report on the field observation and auxiliary laboratory experiments of male–male agonistic behavior of a wood‐feeding cockroach, Panesthia angustipennis, and discuss its strategy. In the field, a male pushed the opponent with the horn on the pronotum out of a gap between two logs, under which a female was. After pushing, the male repeatedly returned to a place close to the female, even if it did not subdue the opponent entirely. It suggests that the male–male agonistic behavior in P. angustipennis has both attack and avoidance. The bout was repeated as the ejected male reapproached the male. In contrast, the inferior male often escaped in the laboratory recording after field observation. Keeping the fighting experience for several days may contribute to the males avoiding a “losing battle.” This study significantly enhances our understanding of the mating strategy of P. angustipennis through male–male agonistic behavior and provides possibilities for its cognitive aspects from the fighting experience.

Representatives of the cockroach superfamily Corydioidea are less sampled than members of the two other cockroach superfamilies (Blaberoidea and Blattoidea) due to the difficulty of collecting them in the field, accentuated by a general lack of knowledge on their biology. Their evolutionary relationships have not yet been investigated with a relevant sampling and are therefore poorly known. Here, we assess the phylogenetic relationships of 35 Corydioidea species with mitochondrial genomes and two nuclear gene fragments. Our sampling for Corydiidae comprises Corydiinae and Euthyrrhaphinae representatives, whereas our sampling for the remaining Corydioidea includes species belonging to genera Beybienkonus Qiu, Wang and Che, Compsodes Hebard, Ctenoneura Hanitsch and Nocticola Bolívar. We further infer their divergence times with molecular dating analyses relying on five fossil calibrations. We also carry out reconstructions of ancestral character states for 11 phenotypic and one biological traits. Our results recover two major Corydioidea clades, one consisting solely of Corydiidae (except Latindiinae) and the other of all remaining Corydioidea taxa. Based on the results of phylogenetic analyses, an updated classification of extant Corydioidea is proposed, where Latindiinae Handlirsch stat.rev. and Ctenoneurinae Qiu and Che, subfam.nov. are assigned to the family Nocticolidae Bolívar sensu nov. A new genus Pseudoeupolyphaga Qiu and Che, gen.nov. is also established within Corydiinae. Both the origin of crown Corydioidea and the divergence of the two major lineages are estimated to have occurred during the Triassic–Jurassic boundary. Ancestral character state reconstruction analyses also suggest an adaptive relationship between phenotypic characteristics and habitat preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The German cockroach is a global urban pest that causes serious public health problems. The induced levels of insecticide tolerance in the first-generation strains of German cockroach from previous topical treatment of laboratory colonies with LD10 or LD25 doses of imidacloprid, indoxacarb, or lambda-cyhalothrin four times with seven-day interval between each were investigated. Our results showed that the resistant ratios (RR50) at LD50, cytochrome P450 content, and glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) activity in adult cockroaches increased in the first generation when compared to the parental (field) and susceptible strains (SS). Therefore, cockroaches treated with insecticidal sublethal dose are likely to have more insecticide resistance in comparison to untreated ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoglomeris magnifica (Shelford, 1907) is bred as a pet because of its beautiful appearance. Its complete mitochondrial genome (GenBank accession number MW630139), obtained from the Manwan Town population, was characterized as the first complete mitogenome of the genus Pseudoglomeris. The mitogenome consists of a circular DNA molecule of 16,627 bp with 76.23% AT content. It comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. The PCGs have the traditional ATN (Met) start codon, except cox1 and nad1 (which have TTG (Met) as the start codon), and are terminated by the traditional TAN stop codon.

The cockroaches have become the most common domestic insect pest of public health and epidemiological importance. Their presence raises safety concerns, especially as carriers of food-borne pathogens and foodspoilage organisms. Hence, this study aimed to document the bacteria isolated from the body surface and gut of cockroaches at Federal University Wukari, Nigeria. Using a swab bacteriological technique, investigations were carried out on the body surface and gut of cockroaches picked from sewers, kitchens, and bathrooms from student's hostels and opened fields of the institution. Nutrient and MacConkey agar were used as media. Students t-test was used to statistically compare the bacterial load recorded on samples retrieved from open field vis-à-vis the hostels. From the two sampled sites, the gut had higher colony forming unit (Cfu/ml) of (1.5 ×106±33435.80) vis-à-vis the body surface (6.9×104±13388.88). Marginally higher bacterial isolates were observed on cockroaches retrieved from the open field (25 bacterial isolates) than from students' hostels (23 bacterial isolates). In this study, Staphylococcus aureus was the most predominantly isolated bacterial species from both locations followed by Escherichia coli. Species with lower frequencies were Proteus mirabilis, Bacillus species, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Control and preventive strategies for cockroaches are paramount in suppressing the contamination of food by microbes associated with cockroaches. Additionally, optimum hygiene practices should be instituted in the hostels, food canteens, and clinics/hospitals of the University; and indeed, the host community to avoid the build-up of breeding sites of cockroaches which are known to carry and spread pathogenic bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similarly, I D. coccinata i belongs to the complex of red lycids in Northern America, i.e., I D. hamata i (Mannerheim), I D. simplicipes i (Mannerheim), and I Punicealis munda i (Say). All populations of the I D. aurora i complex are morphologically uniform (Figure 2 and Figure 3), yet the morphological stasis due to stable environmental conditions is exceptionally improbable as I D. aurora i occurs from Northern African cedar forests to tundra low shrub ecosystems beyond the polar circle in Fennoscandia and I D. coccinata i from dry shrub and forest vegetation in Arizona to the polar circle area in Alaska and the humid temperate to subtropical forests of Georgia and northern Florida. I D. aurora i resembles I Lopheros rubens i (Gyllenhal), I E. cosnardi i (Mulsant), I B. taygetanus i (Pic), I B. longicornis i (Reiche), and I P. rubripes i (Pic) in Europe and I Dictyoptera i spp., I Helcophorus i spp., I Conderis i spp., and I Lyponia i spp. in East Asia. The levels of mtDNA divergence detected in the I D. aurora i clade are comparable to those often found between morphologically species pairs in other insects [[1], [15], [66]] and also between the sister species of net-winged beetles [[12], [27]]. Analysis of the Holarctic Dictyoptera aurora Complex (Coleoptera, Lycidae) Reveals Hidden Diversity and Geographic Structure in Müllerian Mimicry Ring. [Extracted from the article]

We follow the wing venation pattern of Schubnel et al. [[12]], and the terminology for wing colouration of Schneider and Werneburg [[13]] adapted to the wing venation terminology. M with MA area branching off approximately in middle the wing; expanded areas between main veins, especially that between M and CuA; wing surface with bright maculae located in costal area and in form fasculae at each wing tip. Schneider et al. [[20]] proposed the following emended diagnosis: 'Phyloblattid-like wing venation pattern but with a much lower number of veins and with extended fields between the main veins. He proposed the following one for I S. hercynica i : 'forewing 16 mm long and 5 mm wide, markings basically like I S. euglyptica i , but the maculae and fasculae are even more extensive, so that the vein seams are more delicately developed; more branches at CuA than I S. euglyptica i '; the following diagnosis for I S. ilfeldensis i : 'approximately 3.2 × 1.13 cm large forewing. [Extracted from the article]

Blattoidea are comprised of the major lineages Blattidae, Lamproblattidae, Tryonicidae, Anaplectidae, and Cryptocercidae + Isoptera. Despite a number of studies, no consensus exists regarding the relationships between these lineages. Additionally, the current division of Blattidae into Archiblattinae, Blattinae, Macrocercinae and Polyzosteriinae needs phylogenetic testing. We present a molecular phylogeny of Blattoidea recovering all the major lineages as monophyletic with Lamproblattidae as sister to the remaining Blattoidea and Tryonicidae as sister to Cryptocercidae + Isoptera. Contrary to many previous studies, we found a high degree of consistency between analyses, possibly due to improved taxon sampling. We found that none of the currently accepted subfamilies of Blattidae are monophyletic. Mapping of distribution revealed a clear geographic structuring at odds with the current subfamilial classification. Based on results from this and other studies, we present a revised classification of Blattidae: we erect two new subfamilies, Eurycotiinae stat. rev. and Austrostylopyginae subfam. nov., reinstate Duchailluiinae stat. rev. and subsume Macrocercinae in Polyzosteriinae. We also present a division of Polyzosteriinae into tribes: Polyzosteriini, Methanini stat. rev., Rothisilphini trib. nov., and Celatoblattini trib. nov. Within Blattidae, Duchailluiinae is sister to the remaining taxa, while Austrostylopyginae is most likely sister to all other Blattidae except Duchailluiinae.

The genus Pliacanthopus Giglio-Tos previously included two subgenera and five species, among which one species P. (Malayamantis) bimaculatus (Wang, 1993) is distributed in south-western China, and the other four are distributed in south-eastern Asia. Here, the identification of this genus is reviewed, P. (M.) bimaculatus is redescribed in detail, and one new species, P. (M.) tricolor Wu and Liu sp. nov., is described from the Himalayas. A key to the species of Pliacanthopus, necessary illustrations and life images of Pliacanthopus species are presented. The updated distribution of the genus Pliacanthopus is mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There are many more wild cockroaches than household species, but they mostly live a similar life to the latter, feeding on dead and inactive organic material, and hiding in confined spaces. Most of the fossil cockroaches are similar to modern ones in their general appearance, so the lifestyle of the fossil species is probably similar to that of modern cockroaches. Years ago, a unique fossil cockroach, Manipulator modificaputis Vršanský and Bechly, 2015, was discovered from Cretaceous Myanmar amber. This species somewhat resembles mantises and was speculated to be a predator. However, this hypothesis is debatable. In the present study, we redescribe Manipulator modificaputis based on new material, and describe a closely related new species, Manipulatoides obscura gen. & sp. nov. We discuss the feeding habit of these species, and consider that they tend to live around and feed on flowers (as occasionally do some modern cockroaches), instead of hunting for prey. So far, no cockroaches specialized in predation have been affirmed. Manipulator modificaputis Vršanský and Bechly, 2015 (Manipulatoridae, Corydioidea) is a purported predatory cockroach from Cretaceous Myanmar amber, based on a single male. It is distinctive by the nimble head, elongate pronotum and legs, and particularly by the extraordinarily long maxillary palpi. In the present study, we redescribe Manipulator modificaputis based on six new fossils including males and females, and comment on the original description. The closely related Manipulatoides obscura gen. & sp. nov. is proposed on the basis of five fossils, including males and females. It differs from Manipulator in weaker spination of the legs, including the type-C forefemoral spination instead of the type-A of Manipulator. Some undetermined adults and nymphs are also described. We discuss the ethology of Manipulatoridae and speculate that they might feed on flowers. They are unlikely to be specialized predators since they lack necessary weaponry for capturing prey; in contrast, their unique morphotype appears to be suitable for efficient foraging and locomotion amid flowering twigs. The possibility of being kleptoparasites of the spider-web is also discussed. In addition, regenerated four-segmented tarsi are found from the new species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reliable character system is crucial to taxonomy and systematics, and it promises valid downstream inferences, e.g., estimates of diversity and disparity, reconstruction of evolutionary history, and even stratigraphic correlations. Modern taxonomy and systematics of extant cockroaches requires an integrative study involving multiple lines of evidence with emphasis on genital and reproductive characteristics and molecular data. In contrast, many fossil cockroach taxa published recently are based solely on forewings. Many studies have shown that forewing-based taxa are questionable. In order to find out how much of the phylogenetic signal we could ascertain from venational similarity, and how confident we could be, this study used forewing characters to reconstruct phylogenies of the genera of well-recognized family-group taxa. The intuitively reconstructed phylogeny of 75 extant genera failed to recover those taxa or their relationships. Parsimony analyses of various datasets all yielded strong polyphyly and chaotic relationships. In conclusion, the forewing of cockroaches is not a universally competent character system. The underlying causes are the complicated nature of veins and the limitations of current analytical techniques. The uncertainty in forewing-based taxonomy and systematics has been underestimated in the literature. Forewing-based fossil taxa warrant re-evaluation; some of them are herein deemed nomina dubia in their current state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of chemical insecticides is the main control method for Blattella germanica worldwide. The prolonged and frequent use of insecticides produced the selection of insecticide-resistant individuals. The German cockroach is one of the most widespread urban pests in Argentina. In the last decades, resistance monitoring studies in this country demonstrated that there is a high prevalence of pyrethroid-resistant populations of B. germanica in the field. In this work, we studied the resistance mechanisms of a field-collected strain of B. germanica at toxicological, enzymatic, and molecular levels. A resistance ratio of 100 was obtained for the resistant strain when it was exposed to β-cypermethrin. The pretreatment with specific synergists (piperonyl butoxide and triphenyl phosphate) led to a significant increase in the toxicity of the pyrethroid, suggesting an involvement of oxidases and esterases in the detoxification of this insecticide. Moreover, esterase and oxidase activities in the resistant strain were 1.5-fold and 2-fold higher respectively, compared to the susceptible individuals. On the other hand, the voltage-gated sodium channel gene of the resistant cockroaches did not show nucleotidic substitutions in the domain II which are associated to knockdown resistance in this species. These results suggest that the main mechanism of resistance of the studied cockroaches' strain is metabolic, mainly due to an increase in the activity of oxidase and esterase enzymes. The results of this work in addition to other reports found in literature show that the extended use of a single active principle for cockroach control promotes the development of resistance leading to control failure in the field. In contrast, integrated pest management strategies include the use of different control tools in addition to chemical insecticides, which delay the appearance of resistance increasing the efficacy of pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blatella germanica is a major domiciliary pest associated with public health. Synthetic insecticides have hazardous effects on humans and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of three Nano formulations against the German cockroach. Silicon dioxide (SiO2), Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and screened for insecticidal activity against adults of the German cockroach by contact and feeding methods. The synthesized nanoparticles were attained in a powder form and characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential. The size range of the prepared NPS was 5.16-14.72 nm for SiO2, 26.50-52.56 nm for ZnO-NPs and 10.04-39.7 nm for CuO-NPs. Results of UV-Vis spectroscopy, HRTEM, DLS and Zeta potential confirmed the successful formation of nanoparticles. Results clearly showed that the SiO2-NPs had strong insecticidal activity against adults of German cockroaches with LC50 values of 10.36 mg by contact and 4.91 mg by feeding methods. While the LC50 values of ZnO- and CuO-NPs were 13.02 & 17.35 mg by contact and 5.94 & 6.19 mg, respectively by feeding methods. On the other hand, the crude powder of the three metals induced non-significant toxic effects. The LC50 values were 87.49, 179.27 and 233.24 mg by contact, and 9.31, 17.99 and 19.21 mg by feeding for Silica, Zinc and Copper powders, respectively after 7 days of treatment. The stability of the prepared NPs was studied after 4 months of storage under laboratory conditions. SiO2-NPs were the most stable, followed by ZnO-NPs and CuO-NPs. The efficacy and stability of the prepared NPs made these products suitable candidates for controlling the German cockroach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Praying mantises are distributed all over the world. Though some Mantodea mitogenomes have been reported, an evolutionary genomic and phylogenetic analysis study lacks the latest taxonomic system. In the present study, four new mitogenomes were sequenced and annotated. Deroplatys truncate, D. lobate, Amorphoscelis chinensis and Macromantis sp. belong to Deroplatyidae, Amorphoscelidae and Photinaidae family, respectively. Our results indicated that the ATP8 gene may be lost in D. truncate and D. lobata mt genome, and four tRNA genes have not been found in D. truncate, D. lobata and Macromantis sp. A dN/dS pair analysis was conducted and it was found that all genes have evolved under purifying selection. Furthermore, we tested the phylogenetic relationships between the eight families of the Mantodea, including 35 species of praying Mantis. Based on the complete mitochondrial genome data, it was also suggested as sister to Deroplatyidae + Mantidae, Metallyticus sp., the only representative of Metallyticidae, is sister to the remaining mantises. Our results support the taxonomic system of Schwarz and Roy and are consistent with previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mantodea (praying mantises) is a group of exclusively predatory insects, which, together with nonraptorial blattodeans (cockroaches and termites) and groups exclusively found in the fossil record, form the group Dictyoptera. A central characteristic of Mantodea is the specialization of their first pair of legs as raptorial grasping appendages, but the evolution from walking to raptorial legs is not yet fully understood. Here, we trace the evolution of the raptorial appendages in Dictyoptera through time using a morphometric (morphospaces) approach. We also describe two new mantodean nymphs preserved in amber from the Cretaceous and Eocene, which expand the scarce mantodean fossil record. Blattodean and mantodean appendages appear distinct in morphospace, but several appendages of fossil non‐mantodeans can be considered raptorial, providing a potential transitional link between walking and raptorial morphotypes. Therefore, we discuss potential mantodean affinities for other predatory fossil dictyopterans. We examine changes across extant mantodeans, characterized by a straightening of the tibia especially associated with the rise of the diversification of the Mantidea and discuss whether a thickening of the femur could reflect an early adaptation to cursorial hunting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The elateroid family Lycidae is known for limited dispersal propensity and high species-level endemism. The red net-winged beetle, Dictyoptera aurora (Herbst, 1874), differs from all relatives by the range comprising almost the entire Holarctic region. Based on a five-marker phylogeny and 67 barcode entries (cox1-5′ mtDNA) from the whole range, we recovered two genetically distinct species within traditionally defined D. aurora and resurrected the name D. coccinata (Say, 1835) as the oldest available synonym for Nearctic populations. Yet, no reliable morphological trait distinguishes these species except for minute differences in the male genitalia. D. coccinata is a monophylum resulting from a single Miocene dispersal event, ~15.8 million years ago, and genetic divergence implies long-term isolation by the Bering Strait. Far East Asian and west European populations are also genetically distinct, although to a lower extent. Two independent colonization events established the Fennoscandian populations after the last glacial maximum. Besides intrinsic factors, the high morphological similarity might result from stabilizing selection for shared aposematic signals. The rapidly accumulating barcode data provide valuable information on the evolutionary history and the origins of regional faunas.

Polyneopteran clade of insects is very diverse and has a remarkable fossil history starting in the Late Palaeozoic. Representatives of Dictyoptera comprise roaches, termites and mantids and their stem group relatives like the common Palaeozoic and Mesozoic roachoids, a group well known for its problematic taxonomy. In this study, two new taxa are described based on forewing venation well displaying convexity or concavity of the veins due to preservation in spherosideritic concretions. A new paoliid, Stephanopsis testai sp. nov. (Blattinopsidae), from Moscovian deposits at Mazon Creek (Illinois, U.S.A.), supplements Stephanopsis mirandus found at the same locality, which mainly differs in the branching patterns of MP and anal veins. A new stem dictyopteran, Sosnowiecia dareki gen. nov. et sp. nov. (?Mesorthopteridae), from Langsettian deposits at Sosnowiec-Klimontów (Lower Silesia, Poland) is problematic in terms of taxonomy as it has a mosaic of characters characteristic of Paoliida, Eoblattida and Grylloblattida, but retains affinities with roachoid insects, such as Miroblatta sp. Hence, these two new species increase the diversity of Carboniferous polyneopteran insects, but reveals the problem of depending only on alar characters in taxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sysciophlebia ‘sp. form Villablino’, the first Iberian representative of the Palaeozoic–Early Mesozoic family Spiloblattinidae, is described and illustrated. Its forewing colour pattern is strongly similar to those of the Gzhelian–early-middle Asselian species Sysciophlebia euglyptica, Sysciophlebia ilfeldensis, Sysciophlebia rubida, and ‘Sysciophlebia sp. form KBQ’, supporting the currently proposed Gzhelian age for its type locality. It supports the use of the representatives of the Spiloblattinidae for stratigraphic purposes. The diagnoses and limits of the families Subioblattidae, Phyloblattidae, Compsoblattidae, Spiloblattinidae, and of the spiloblattinid genera are discussed.

Manipulator modificaputis Vršanský and Bechly, 2015 (Manipulatoridae, Corydioidea) is a purported predatory cockroach from Cretaceous Myanmar amber, based on a single male. It is distinctive by the nimble head, elongate pronotum and legs, and particularly by the extraordinarily long maxillary palpi. In the present study, we redescribe Manipulator modificaputis based on six new fossils including males and females, and comment on the original description. The closely related Manipulatoides obscura gen. & sp. nov. is proposed on the basis of five fossils, including males and females. It differs from Manipulator in weaker spination of the legs, including the type-C forefemoral spination instead of the type-A of Manipulator. Some undetermined adults and nymphs are also described. We discuss the ethology of Manipulatoridae and speculate that they might feed on flowers. They are unlikely to be specialized predators since they lack necessary weaponry for capturing prey; in contrast, their unique morphotype appears to be suitable for efficient foraging and locomotion amid flowering twigs. The possibility of being kleptoparasites of the spider-web is also discussed. In addition, regenerated four-segmented tarsi are found from the new species.

Pseudoglomeris magnifica (Shelford, 1907) is bred as a pet because of its beautiful appearance. Its complete mitochondrial genome (GenBank accession number MW630139), obtained from the Manwan Town population, was characterized as the first complete mitogenome of the genus Pseudoglomeris . The mitogenome consists of a circular DNA molecule of 16,627 bp with 76.23% AT content. It comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. The PCGs have the traditional ATN (Met) start codon, except cox1 and nad1 (which have TTG (Met) as the start codon), and are terminated by the traditional TAN stop codon., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article., (© 2022 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Pseudoglomeris magnifica (Shelford, 1907) is bred as a pet because of its beautiful appearance. Its complete mitochondrial genome (GenBank accession number MW630139), obtained from the Manwan Town population, was characterized as the first complete mitogenome of the genus Pseudoglomeris. The mitogenome consists of a circular DNA molecule of 16,627 bp with 76.23% AT content. It comprises 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and one control region. The PCGs have the traditional ATN (Met) start codon, except cox1 and nad1 (which have TTG (Met) as the start codon), and are terminated by the traditional TAN stop codon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we describe the first discoveries of insects from the Gzhelian of the Reyran Basin (northern part of Esterel, South of France). These are a new mylacrid, Opsiomylacris sp. an undetermined genus and species of Phyloblattidae, two other roachoids of uncertain affinities, and a Palaeodictyoptera, all based on forewings. Although these discoveries demonstrate that insects were present in the corresponding paleoforest, they remain less diverse and rarer than the plant remains. The genus Opsiomylacris is currently supposed to have lived under xeric environments, possibly corresponding to the more xeric paleobiotas of the margin of the humid valley bottoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poroblattina anadiensis sp. nov., first record of the roachoid family Poroblattinidae from Portugal, is described from the upper Gzhelian Vale da Mó 'Formation' of Buçaco Carboniferous Basin. The genus Poroblattina was previously known by numerous records from the Moscovian and the Asselian (time range between 306.95 and 295.0 Ma) in Euramerica, showing a high forewing venation variability. The new species is most similar to the French Moscovian Poroblattina duffieuxi, but it differs from this species in having a larger forewing, more irregularly anterior pectinate RP, and more forked branches. Poroblattina anadiensis sp. nov. supports the links between the entomofaunas of North America and Western Europe during the late Carboniferous and early Permian. Despite the intense exploration of the Buçaco Carboniferous Basin units in the nineteen-century and mid-20th century, the new discovery highlights the potential of palaeontological studies now resumed in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]