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ABSTRACT Apoid hymenopterans are well represented in the fossil record, particularly in the mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar with 37 species and eight families. The fossils from this deposit are providing a glimpse into an astonishingly diverse fauna, including lineages with no counterpart in the present day. In this study, we describe two new genera and six new species of a remarkable new lineage of apoid wasps from Burmese amber: †Temnogyna gen. nov., containing †T. elegans sp. nov., †T. multiplex sp. nov., and †T. nyx sp. nov.; †Rhabdogyna gen. nov., containing †R. festiva sp. nov., †R. prima sp. nov. and †R. elongata sp. nov. These new fossil taxa have distinctive body morphology, particularly in the pattern of forewing venation and a remarkable anterior constriction in the 2nd metasomal segment, which sets them apart from all known apoid lineages. To accommodate these extinct taxa, a new family is introduced, †Temnogynidae fam. nov. (type genus †Temnogyna gen. nov.). Furthermore, the phylogenetic affinities of these new taxa are also discussed, based on the interpretations of the main morphological characters presented in previous studies. We also discuss how the discovery of this new family sheds light on the evolution of apoid wasps during the early Cretaceous.

Three new genera and species of Elcanidae (Insecta: Orthoptera) are described from middle Cretaceous Myanmar amber. Paraxelcana coronakanthodis gen. et sp. nov. differs from previously known elcanids from Myanmar amber by showing cross veins in the precostal field of the forewing, as well as a unique combination of morphological features. Letoelcana artemisapollonque gen. et sp. nov. is one of only two species of Elcanidae from Myanmar amber showing two dark spots on the surface of the tegmina, but differing from the other species previously known, Hukawnelca gracile (Uchida in Cretaceous Research, 131, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2021.105092), in a number of characters. Trigonelca jennywinterae gen. et sp. nov. features a unique new combination of metatibial spurs, as well as a triangular shaped pronotum, distinguishing it from previously known Elcanidae from Myanmar amber. We discuss possible ecological implications of wing spots (as seen on L. artemisapollonque) and the pterostigma, a specially modified wing area that appears to characteristic for many elcanid species. Based on a morphological binary character matrix from the new and already reported species, a phylogenetic tree is created, giving a hypothetical glimpse at the possible phylogeny of Elcanidae from Myanmar amber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new family of short horned grasshoppers, Burmecaelidae fam. nov., is described on the basis of a new species: Burmecaelinus armis fam., gen. et sp. nov. While any extant species can clearly be sorted into the Tridactylidea and Acrididea, the new fossil species presented here does not clearly match any of the two groups. The metafemora of the new family are apparently saltatorial and greatly inflated along its entire length, which is similar to extant and Mesozoic Tridactylidae and Ripipterygidae. In contrast, the compound eyes are elongated and protrude from the head dorsally; the elongated area of the pronotum does not cover the abdomen. Although the morphology of the hind legs is shared with Tridactyloidea, the shape of the head and abdomen are more similar to Tetrigoidea and Eumastacoidea. We suggest two hypotheses: (1) the new family emerged at the basis of the superfamilies Tridactyloidea and Acridoidea early in Caeliferan evolution, or alternatively (2) the new family emerged within Tridactyloidea, between the families Tridactylidae and Ripipterygidae. The new family may have emerged when these families split. The phylogenetic placement of the new family needs to be further evaluated in the future based on more specimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three specimens of Pelecinidae preserved in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber from Northern Myanmar were examined and described. Ampluspelecinus robustus gen. et sp. nov. and Eopelecinus diminutivum sp. nov. of Pelecinidae from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber are characterized by the shape and size of their mesosoma, metasoma, and wing venation. Ampluspelecinus robustus is distinguished from other pelecinid species by its length ratio of metasomal segments, 2r-rs in the forewing forming an "X" pattern, with Rs2 extending approximately two-thirds toward the forewing apex. E. diminutivum sp. nov. is distinguished by its metasomal length ratio and swollen fore, mid, and hind femora. In addition, both female and male specimens are described from amber, which is unusual because male pelecinid wasps, both extant and extinct, are relatively rare. The male specimen is the smallest Pelenicidae wasp reported to date. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One undeterminable Microcoryphia specimen preserved in burmite, almost certainly belonging to the genus em>Macropsontus, is reported. One new Lepismatidae (Zygentoma), Cretolepisma kachinicum gen. n. sp. n., preserved in the same ca. 100 MY old Albian-Cenomanian amber from Myanmar, is described based upon one female. It is compared with the recent genera in the nominate subfamily as well as with Burmalepisma cretacicum Mendes & Poinar, 2008, the only other species of Zygentoma known to date from the same deposits. Some paleogeographical and phylogenetic data are discussed and one new combination is proposed.

Mid-Cretaceous amber from Northern Myanmar, also known as "burmite", contains the most productive and species-rich amber sites in the world. Up to now, 17 families of cockroaches in Burmese amber have been documented. However, only four extinct species of family Mesoblattinidae have been reported in Burmese amber so far: Spinaeblattina myanmarensis Hinkelman, 2019; Mesoblatta maxi Hinkelman, 2020; Cuniculoblatta brevialata Hinkelman, 2021; and Mongolblatta sendii Hinkelman, 2021. The new species Sivis tykadlo sp. n. described here on the basis of both sexes give us an opportunity to better understand the morphological and ecological characters of Cretaceous cockroaches and the entire fauna. An ecosystem with a humid climate in the mid-Cretaceous apparently enriched the diversity of cockroach species. This fossiliferous amber has produced more than 4,000 cockroach specimens of many different forms and lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protective coloration is observed in numerous extant cockroach species and is prevalent among insects. Such coloration can signal nonprofitability of prey (aposematic) or serve as a camouflage (disruptive). An apparent aposematic isolated macula is identified here among the cockroach Facioblatta perfidia gen. et sp. n. (Liberiblattinidae) from Northern Myanmar amber. In total, 9 and 10 general coloration patterns related to spot-like patterns among extant and fossil species, respectively, are identified. Potential cockroach predators targeted with these patterns varied from dragonflies, small Jurassic pterosaurs and lizards, to Cretaceous and modern frogs, birds and insectivores. Patterns asynchronously appeared throughout the taxonomic spectrum suggesting that the elimination from predators combined with environmental factors influenced the spread of protective coloration among cockroaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This synoptic review aims to bring some general information on fossil scorpions, namely those trapped in amber - fossilized resin - ranging from Lower Cretaceous through the Palaeocene and up to the Miocene. The question to be addressed is how the study of these fossils can be connected with possible present scorpionism problems. A precise knowledge of these ancient lineages provides information about the evolution of extant lineages, including the buthoids, which contain most known noxious species. Among the Arthropods found trapped in amber, scorpions are considered rare. A limited number of elements have been described from the Late Tertiary Dominican and Mexican amber, while the most ancient Tertiary amber from the Baltic region produced more consistent results in the last 30 years, primarily focusing on a single limited lineage. Contrarily, the Cretaceous amber from Myanmar, also called Burmite, has yielded and continues to yield a significant number of results represented by several distinct lineages, which attest to the considerable degree of diversity that existed in the Burmese amber-producing forests. As in my previous similar contributions to this journal, the content of this note is primarily addressed to non-specialists whose research embraces scorpions in various fields such as venom toxins and public health. An overview knowledge of at least some fossil lineages can eventually help to clarify why some extant elements associated with the buthoids represent dangerous species while others are not noxious.

Abstract Background During the Mesozoic, there were many insects in several holometabolous orders (Neuroptera, Mecoptera and Diptera) with elongated mouthparts adapted for feeding on nectar. The evolutionary history of the megadiverse order Coleptera, which has a great diversity of mouthparts and feeding strategies, is well documented since early Permian with a significant peak in diversity in the Triassic. Currently, however, there is no evidence that in the Mesozoic these beetles fed on nectar despite the recorded specializations for pollination of flowering plants in several families since the mid-Cretaceous. Results Here we describe a new wedge-shaped beetle Melanosiagon serraticornis gen. et sp. nov. from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber attributed to Macrosiagonini (Ripiphoridae: Ripiphorinae), which has elongated galea comparable to that in the extant parasitoid genus Macrosiagon, and a well known example of adaptation for nectar feeding in Coleoptera. Furthermore, Salignacicola gen. nov. is established for Macrosiagon ebboi Perrichot, Nel et Néraudeau, 2004, based on the holotype found in mid-Cretaceous amber from France. Systematic positions of both newly established genera are discussed. A list of potential wasp and bee hosts of Ripiphorinae from the Mesozoic is provided. Conclusions This study presents evidence of the earliest occurrence of specialized nectar feeding mouthparts in Coleoptera. Melanosiagon serraticornis is closely related to extant Macrosiagonini. In all genera belonging to subfamily Ripiphorinae the primary larvae are adapted for parasitism on aculeate Hymenoptera (bees and wasps) and adults are associated with blossoms of flowering plants, in terms of their specialized morphology. Adults of Macrosiagon visit blossoms of flowering plants to obtain nectar and lay eggs from which the hatching larvae attack visiting wasps and bees. An association with flowers of some tropical trees is already corroborated in some extant species. Interestingly the larvae of Ripiphorinae are also found in Burmese amber. Thus, both life stages of the mid-Cretaceous Ripiphorinae indicate a close association of this lineage with flowering trees.

Short-tailed whipscorpions are a small arachnid order with 379 described species from (sub)tropical regions of the world. The order has a fragmentary fossil record but has left a rich, albeit hitherto undocumented, fossil legacy in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar, also called Burmese amber or Burmite. Here, we review a large series of schizomids from this type of amber and propose four new genera for seven new species. In addition, we include a short revision of all schizomid genera based on 14 morphological characters. Although none of the fossils can be assigned to Recent genera, they resemble the modern fauna in general morphology and highlight relative morphological stasis in this arachnid order. The fossils show a general trend towards eye reduction, but some of the specimens retain corneate eyes. Comparative data suggest affinities of the fossils with the Recent Old World fauna rather than American relatives. Furthermore, the fossils provide evidence for a Gondwanan origin of the Burma Terrane. Overall, the data suggest a high diversity at both species and genus levels for Burmese amber schizomids. We discuss potential reasons for this richness that will probably necessitate the description of additional genera and species in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We discovered an extinct handsome fungus beetle almost 100 million years old embedded in amber from Myanmar. Comparing and analyzing the characteristics of its body with those of other beetles of this family living today, we were able to find out which ones could be their closest relatives. What we discovered suggests that our beetle, representing a new genus and species, is a part of a group called "Higher Endomychidae". This group shares some features with members of the family Coccinellidae, the well-known ladybugs or ladybirds. Our finding supports the hypothesis that handsome fungus beetles (family Endomychidae) originated at least at the beginning of the Cretaceous period, and most probably in the Jurassic, coinciding with the heyday of dinosaurs on earth. A new genus and species of the family Endomychidae (Coleoptera: Coccinelloidea): Cretostenotarsus striatus Tomaszewska, Szawaryn and Arriaga-Varela gen. et sp. nov. are described, diagnosed and illustrated from the mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. To test the systematic placement of the new extinct genus and species within the family, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted. A dataset of 38 morphological characters scored for 29 species (including the new fossil taxon), members of Endomychidae sensu stricto and representatives of Coccinelloidea as outgroups were analyzed using maximum parsimony. The results of the analysis indicate unequivocally that Cretostenotarsus striatus is a member of the Stenotarsus clade within a monophyletic 'endomychine complex' sensu Robertson et al. (2015), which corresponds to 'Higher Endomychidae' sensu Tomaszewska (2005). The present discovery confirms at least the Jurassic origin of Coccinelloidea and indicates a much older origin of Endomychidae than previously hypothesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recent publications have been actively recommending strong embargos on Burmese amber trade and research. Although the motivation of these actions seeks to prevent armed groups from obtaining capital via amber trade, which in the views of the authors helps further fueling the armed conflict, here, I demonstrate that this claim is not accurate. In this analysis, I prove that these preventative actions undertaken by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and echoed by others do not resolve the situation in Burma, but on the contrary, aggravate the problem by negatively affecting the Burmese miners. My analysis is congruent with other independent analyses of the Burmese Amber trade. In line with the recommendation of the United Nations, and as an alternative approach, it is possible to support the amber economy that is in opposition to the Burmese military and help the Burmese scientific community to increase their capability and knowledge to engage in a niche market that is largely not accessible to unethical players. This would lead to a sourcing of research material that fulfills the demand of the international scientific community for ethical standards.

Beetle larvae contribute to the overall biomass with a great share, yet they often stay unnoticed and underexplored. Larvae of the group Scraptiidae, also called false flower beetles, lead a life hidden in the wood, not easily accessible for observers. There, they contribute to wood decomposition and carbon cycling. Even though their ecological role is of great importance, these larvae have been comparably rarely studied. This is true for extant as well as fossil representatives of this group. It seems that this knowledge gap is not based on the limited availability of material but results from insufficiently studied material. Here we report new specimens, of which seven are extant and twelve are fossil. Fossil specimens are either from 40-million-year-old Baltic amber (Eocene) or 100-million-year-old Myanmar amber (Cretaceous), the latter representing the oldest record of these larvae. All specimens considered here possess a large, elongated terminal end. We performed an outline analysis of the shape of this terminal end for all so far known larval specimens sufficiently well preserved (in total 33 specimens: 17 extant, 14 Eocene, 2 Cretaceous). There is a recognisable difference between Eocene and extant specimens, yet it remains unclear whether this is due to different represented larval stages or an effect of evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beetle larvae contribute to the overall biomass with a great share, yet they often stay unnoticed and underexplored. Larvae of the group Scraptiidae, also called false flower beetles, lead a life hidden in the wood, not easily accessible for observers. There, they contribute to wood decomposition and carbon cycling. Even though their ecological role is of great importance, these larvae have been comparably rarely studied. This is true for extant as well as fossil representatives of this group. It seems that this knowledge gap is not based on the limited availability of material but results from insufficiently studied material. Here we report new specimens, of which seven are extant and twelve are fossil. Fossil specimens are either from 40-million-year-old Baltic amber (Eocene) or 100-million-year-old Myanmar amber (Cretaceous), the latter representing the oldest record of these larvae. All specimens considered here possess a large, elongated terminal end. We performed an outline analysis of the shape of this terminal end for all so far known larval specimens sufficiently well preserved (in total 33 specimens: 17 extant, 14 Eocene, 2 Cretaceous). There is a recognisable difference between Eocene and extant specimens, yet it remains unclear whether this is due to different represented larval stages or an effect of evolution.

Polycentropodidae constitute 55.6% of Taimyr amber caddisfly species with known males, and only 4.8% of caddisfly species with known males in Kachin amber. Micro-caddisflies obviously dominate in Taimyr amber (Archaeopolycentra, Polycentropodidae), Kachin amber (Palerasnitsynus, Psychomyiidae) and New Jersey amber (Hydroptilidae); both Psychomyiidae and Hydroptilidae are absent in Taimyr amber, Polycentropodidae are absent in New Jersey amber and rare in Kachin amber. The domination of Polycentropodidae was proposed as a new characteristics of Baeomorpha Realm, their rarity or absence proposed as a new characteristics of Isoptera Realm.

Polycentropodidae constitute 60 % of Taimyr amber caddisfly species with known males, and only 4.8 % of caddisfly species with known males in Kachin amber. Micro-caddisflies obviously dominate in Taimyr amber (Archaeopolycentra, Polycentropodidae), Kachin (Burmese) amber (Palerasnitsynus, Psychomyiidae) and New Jersey amber (Hydroptilidae); both Psychomyiidae and Hydroptilidae are absent in Taimyr amber, Polycentropodidae are absent in New Jersey amber and rare in Kachin amber. The domination of Polycentropodidae was proposed as a new characteristic of Baeomorpha Realm, their rarity proposed as a new characteristic of Isoptera Realm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cantharidae is a diverse group of soft-bodied beetles and frequently occurs in the Mid-Cretaceous (c. 99 Mya) amber of Myanmar. In the present paper, three new soldier beetles, Cretocantharis veda gen. & sp. nov. , Palaeocantharis panna gen. & sp. nov. and Hukawngichthyurus maha sp. nov. are reported. A phylogenetic reconstruction of Cantharidae, including all extant subfamilies and tribes, corroborates a distinct lineage comprising cantharine-like cantharids from Burmese amber as sister to Silini (Silinae), revealing that the current subfamilial placement is probably inadequate. Together with our results and recent molecular phylogenetic frameworks, it reveals that subfamilies of Cantharidae evolved during the Cretaceous period and highlights a probable Gondwanan ancestry of main cantharid groups. Our topology also proposes that the systematically controversial tribe Tytthonyxini of Silinae constitutes an independent clade sister to Malthininae, rather than the component of Silinae. Furthermore, Archaeomalthodes rosetta , previously placed in Malthininae, is recovered as a member of Dysmorphocerinae, representing the oldest fossil record for this subfamily and enhancing the Gondwanan origin hypothesis of Burmese amber biota. The previous interpretation of reticulated elytra as a lycid-mimicry for the Cretaceous cantharid fossils and pleisiomorphy of Cantharidae are challenged and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the Mesozoic, there were many insects in several holometabolous orders (Neuroptera, Mecoptera and Diptera) with elongated mouthparts adapted for feeding on nectar. The evolutionary history of the megadiverse order Coleptera, which has a great diversity of mouthparts and feeding strategies, is well documented since early Permian with a significant peak in diversity in the Triassic. Currently, however, there is no evidence that in the Mesozoic these beetles fed on nectar despite the recorded specializations for pollination of flowering plants in several families since the mid-Cretaceous. Results: Here we describe a new wedge-shaped beetle Melanosiagon serraticornis gen. et sp. nov. from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber attributed to Macrosiagonini (Ripiphoridae: Ripiphorinae), which has elongated galea comparable to that in the extant parasitoid genus Macrosiagon, and a well known example of adaptation for nectar feeding in Coleoptera. Furthermore, Salignacicola gen. nov. is established for Macrosiagon ebboi Perrichot, Nel et Néraudeau, 2004, based on the holotype found in mid-Cretaceous amber from France. Systematic positions of both newly established genera are discussed. A list of potential wasp and bee hosts of Ripiphorinae from the Mesozoic is provided. Conclusions: This study presents evidence of the earliest occurrence of specialized nectar feeding mouthparts in Coleoptera. Melanosiagon serraticornis is closely related to extant Macrosiagonini. In all genera belonging to subfamily Ripiphorinae the primary larvae are adapted for parasitism on aculeate Hymenoptera (bees and wasps) and adults are associated with blossoms of flowering plants, in terms of their specialized morphology. Adults of Macrosiagon visit blossoms of flowering plants to obtain nectar and lay eggs from which the hatching larvae attack visiting wasps and bees. An association with flowers of some tropical trees is already corroborated in some extant species. Interestingly the larvae of Ripiphorinae are also found in Burmese amber. Thus, both life stages of the mid-Cretaceous Ripiphorinae indicate a close association of this lineage with flowering trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR) spectroscopy coupled with a microscope allows for the analysis of specimens without any preparation, spatially correlated with the morphology of the specimen. These characteristics make micro-ATR systems very useful for studying gemstones and in particular amber samples. Indeed, in this report, the micro-ATR technique was used to characterize three Burmite samples, as case studies. Particularly, focusing the ATR crystal spot on the amber surface where a difference in the Ultraviolet (UV) reaction was previously detected, thereby relative differences in the IR spectrum could be analyzed. Here we present a methodology combining the UV imaging technique with the micro-Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (micro-ATR/FT-IR) analyses, in order to correlate the fluorescence information with the molecular vibrational modes of amber and their relative spatial distribution. Finally, this work is intended as an initial methodology study and part of the amber characterization project, focused on characterizing the Burmese amber collection of the Peretti Museum Foundation from several disciplines (i.e., palaeoentomology, vibrational spectroscopy, neutron tomography, etc.). Graphical Abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent publications have been actively recommending strong embargos on Burmese amber trade and research. Although the motivation of these actions seeks to prevent armed groups from obtaining capital via amber trade, which in the views of the authors helps further fueling the armed conflict, here, I demonstrate that this claim is not accurate. In this analysis, I prove that these preventative actions undertaken by the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and echoed by others do not resolve the situation in Burma, but on the contrary, aggravate the problem by negatively affecting the Burmese miners. My analysis is congruent with other independent analyses of the Burmese Amber trade. In line with the recommendation of the United Nations, and as an alternative approach, it is possible to support the amber economy that is in opposition to the Burmese military and help the Burmese scientific community to increase their capability and knowledge to engage in a niche market that is largely not accessible to unethical players. This would lead to a sourcing of research material that fulfills the demand of the international scientific community for ethical standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of the family Endomychidae (Coleoptera: Coccinelloidea): Cretostenotarsus striatus Tomaszewska, Szawaryn and Arriaga-Varela gen. et sp. nov. are described, diagnosed and illustrated from the mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar. To test the systematic placement of the new extinct genus and species within the family, a phylogenetic analysis was conducted. A dataset of 38 morphological characters scored for 29 species (including the new fossil taxon), members of Endomychidae sensu stricto and representatives of Coccinelloidea as outgroups were analyzed using maximum parsimony. The results of the analysis indicate unequivocally that Cretostenotarsus striatus is a member of the Stenotarsus clade within a monophyletic ‘endomychine complex’ sensu Robertson et al. (2015), which corresponds to ‘Higher Endomychidae’ sensu Tomaszewska (2005). The present discovery confirms at least the Jurassic origin of Coccinelloidea and indicates a much older origin of Endomychidae than previously hypothesized.

There is little fossil evidence for cave arthropods. Small size, disfunctional wings, extremely long antenna, dense minute setation, palidity and reduced eyes are typical adaptations to life in caves shown by the cockroach Mulleriblattina bowangi gen. et sp. n., found together with epigeic Crenocticola svadba sp. n., both from Myanmar amber and belonging to the cavernicolous cockroach family Nocticolidae. These lineages of earliest still living cavernicoles suggest large, numerous caverns, lava tubes or caves within the source area. They provide the first unequivocal evidence for the Mesozoic origin of any living troglomorphic organism, and explain the "long branches" in DNA analyses. Phylogenetic trees show little hierarchical structure and place Latindiinae and Myrmecoblatta within the explosively radiating Nocticolidae. Biogeography indicates a common cosmopolitan Early Cretaceous ancestor except for 8 (of 49) species of true Nocticolidae, which diverged during the Late Cretaceous breakup of Gondwana. A review of all troglofauna documents no other unequivocal pre-Cenozoic cave biotas (including vertebrates). Stable environments and small populations result in a short-time (˂3 Ma) origination of bizarre forms and long term extinctions (˃30 Ma). Unlabelled Image • All cave organisms including vertebrates reveal Cenozoic origin. • Why all cave fauna of the Mesozoic went extinct becomes now a big enigma. • Exceptions are herein described cockroaches from Myanmar amber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ant-like stone beetle supertribe Mastigitae (Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae) comprises nine extant and five extinct genera that exhibit unusual morphological specializations and ecological adaptions. Recent discoveries of mastigite fossils from Upper Cretaceous–middle Eocene deposits have significantly improved our knowledge of the evolutionary history of this group, yet a direct fossil record for two modern tribes of unclear affinities, i.e. Leptomastacini and Papusini, is lacking. Herein we describe a new genus and species, †Archemastax divida gen. et sp. nov., based on two well-preserved individuals entombed in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (c. 99 Ma), representing the earliest known representative of Leptomastacini. †Archemastax possesses both plesiomorphic and derived characters, with a few important traits shared with extant members of Papusini and Clidicini. A data set of 70 morphological characters scored for 29 species of Mastigitae was analysed using maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference; both analyses recovered a sister relationship between †Archemastax and extant leptomastacines. However, in the former analysis Leptomastacini was recovered as sister to the remaining Mastigitae, while the latter indicated an origin of Leptomastacini from within Clidicini. Although a close affinity between †Archemastax and Papusini was not supported by our analyses, similarities in some shared characters of these two groups are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although all previously tested amber from Burma (Myanmar) belongs to NMR amber Group A, for the first time samples are reported with the characteristics of NMR Group B. Whereas Group A has a conifer source, Group B has angiosperms as its source. Thus, two very different types of ancient trees produced resins that led to amber from Burmese Cretaceous forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sparedrus archaicus n. sp. (Coleoptera Oedemeridae) from Cretaceous amber from Myanmar is described and compared with congeners of the Recent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new genera and species of Coniopterygidae (Neuroptera) are described and illustrated from mid Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber of Myanmar. Mulleroconis hyalina gen. n. et sp. n., attributed to the Coniopteryginae, bears a unique combination of venation characters and an abdomen without plicatures. The second new genus, attributed to the Aleuropteryginae, i.e. Palaeoconis azari gen. n. et sp. n., displays a unique pattern of crossveins 1m-cua and 2mp2-cua, with the latter crossing the pigmented spot. A check-list of all fossil genera and species of Coniopterygidae is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extent of the diversity of fossil handsome fungus beetles (Coleoptera: Endomychidae) is still poorly comprehended but in the recent years efforts have been made in their documentation. Recently, different taxa from mid-Cretaceous amber from northern Myanmar have been discovered and described. These represent the oldest known members of several subfamilies of Endomychidae or have been placed as incertae sedis within the family. The genus Cretaparamecus (Merophysiinae) was earlier described based on one species from Myanmar amber, C. tarsalis. Here we describe three new species from the same locality and geological horizon, C. angustus , C. crassipes and C. uncinus spp. nov. The genus is redescribed to incorporate the morphological variation observed in these species. The morphological and species diversity of the genus in mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar is discussed. In order to confirm the origin and age of the amber pieces studied, FT-IR spectra were obtained. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twisted winged insects (Strepsiptera) are a highly specialized small order of parasitic insects. Whether parasitism developed at an early or late stage in the evolution of the group was unknown. Here we record and describe the first definite Mesozoic strepsipteran primary larva embedded in Burmese amber (∼99 million years ago). This extends the origin of parasitism back by at least ∼50 million years, and reveals that this specialized life style has evolved in the Mesozoic or even earlier in the group. The extremely small first instar displays all diagnostic characters of strepsipteran immatures of this stage and is nearly identical with those of Mengenillidae, one of the most “ancestral” extant strepsipteran taxa. This demonstrates a remarkable evolutionary stasis over 100 million years. The new finding strongly weakens the case of small larvae embedded in Cretaceous amber interpreted as strepsipteran immatures. They differ in many structural features from extant strepsipteran primary larvae and are very likely parasitic beetle larvae.

Abstract Gastropods are generally rare in amber. In this paper we describe an example of exceptional soft-bodied preservation in a fossil terrestrial mollusk-a snail shell with some tissue, including part of the cephalic region (head) with a tentacle and inferred eye stalk, and potentially part of the foot and operculum. The snail, a probable juvenile, is preserved in Burmese amber (Burmite) from Myanmar, of earliest Cenomanian age. Morphological evidence suggests a cyclophoroidean ancestry and a possible attribution to the family Cyclophoridae; members of this superfamily are widespread today in Asia, thus indicating a long geological history in the region. This specimen constitutes the first confirmed and oldest record of soft-bodied preservation of a snail in Cretaceous amber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Hukawngichthyurus kyawkhaingwini gen. et sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burmite). The new species belongs to the subfamily Cantharinae Imhoff, 1856, especially the last urites in a kind of fishtail are, similar to the representatives of tribe Ichthyurini Champion, 1915, subfamily Chauliognathinae LeConte, 1861, whose taxa are currently found mainly in the Southern Hemisphere and the Oriental region. This peculiar aspect makes us assume that we are dealing with a probable case of adaptive convergence and confirms that the arthropods (and plants) in Burmese amber have many similarities with the faunas of Gondwana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A rare species of archaic beetle, Paraodontomma szwedoi sp. nov., is described in burmite from northern Myanmar. It belongs to an unusual extinct genus with numerous pointed teeth along the edge of the body. It is the smallest species in the genus and reveals a dorsal ornamentation not previously reported. The beetle is undoubtedly an ommatine, a now relict family group in the southern hemisphere, but belongs to the extinct Brochocoleini when archaic beetles were more diverse in the Cretaceous tropics. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A new species of archaic beetle Paraodontomma szwedoi is described in mid-Cretaceous amber from Myanmar. • It is an unusual and rare serrated beetle in the extinct tribe Brochocoleini. • Paraodontomma was possibly adapted for a cryptic life on bark. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Four new genera along with four new species belonging to three subfamilies of the family Endomychidae (Coleoptera: Coccinelloidea) are described, diagnosed and imaged from Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber: Burmalestes albertalleni Tomaszewska and Ślipiński gen. et sp. nov. , Cretolestes niger Tomaszewska, Ślipiński and Ren gen. et sp. nov. (Leiestinae), Cretaparamecus tarsalis Tomaszewska, Ślipiński, Bai and Zhang gen. et sp. nov. (Merophysiinae), and Palaeomycetes foveolatus Tomaszewska, Ślipiński and Ren gen. et sp. nov. (Xenomycetinae). They represent the oldest discovered definitive fossil members of the Endomychidae and the first records of the superfamily Coccinelloidea from the Burmese amber. Zemyna Tomaszewska nom. nov. is proposed as a replacement name for the recently described Laima Alekseev and Tomaszewska, 2018 (Endomychidae: Endomychinae) from the Eocene Baltic amber; Laima is the name already used in a fossil Brachiopoda (Gravitis, 1981). Highlights • The oldest fossil Endomychidae are described from the Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber. • Cretaceous Endomychidae represent three extant subfamilies and four extinct genera. • This is the first record of superfamily Coccinelloidea from Burmese amber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A seventh species of fossil zorapteran (Zoraptera) in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber is described and figured from an apterous female (dealate). Zorotypus (s. str.) dilaticeps sp. nov. is exceptionally large in body size (ca. 3.9 mm), and can be readily distinguished from all other extinct and Recent members of the order by its distinctive head morphology and by unique spination of the metafemur and metatibia. Our new find sheds further light on the diversity and morphological disparity of fossil zorapterans during the Late Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twisted winged insects (Strepsiptera) are a highly specialized small order of parasitic insects. Whether parasitism developed at an early or late stage in the evolution of the group was unknown. Here we record and describe the first definite Mesozoic strepsipteran primary larva embedded in Burmese amber (~99 million years ago). This extends the origin of parasitism back by at least ~50 million years, and reveals that this specialized life style has evolved in the Mesozoic or even earlier in the group. The extremely small first instar displays all diagnostic characters of strepsipteran immatures of this stage and is nearly identical with those of Mengenillidae, one of the most "ancestral" extant strepsipteran taxa. This demonstrates a remarkable evolutionary stasis over 100 million years. The new finding strongly weakens the case of small larvae embedded in Cretaceous amber interpreted as strepsipteran immatures. They differ in many structural features from extant strepsipteran primary larvae and are very likely parasitic beetle larvae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extinct ant-like stone beetle genus Cascomastigus Yin & Cai was recently established to accommodate C . monstrabilis Yin & Cai from the mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. This species developed a highly specialized antennal ‘setal trap’, and was hypothesized to enroll these into predation on fast-moving preys, particularly springtails. However, only a single species of Cascomastigus has been known so far, and the paleodiversity of this peculiar group remains underexplored. Here we described another species, Cascomastigus minor Yin, Cai and Huang sp. nov., also from Burmese amber. The new species is distinctly smaller than C . monstrabilis , and may be further separated by the relatively longer antennomeres III, and much stouter maxillary palpomeres IV. Our new find highlights the paleodiversity of the genus Cascomastigus during the late Mesozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the hangingfly genus Bittacus Latreille, 1805, Bittacus lepiduscretaceus sp. nov., is described based on a well-preserved amber specimen from the mid-Cretaceous of Myanmar. The new species, the earliest fossil record of Bittacus , has new morphological characters to enhance our knowledge of the early evolution of Bittacus hangingflies. This new finding also provide evidence to broaden the diversity of Bittacidae in the Cretaceous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new genera and four new species representing Erythraeidae ( Burerythrites pankowskii gen. et sp. nov., Burphanolophus joergwunderlichi gen. et sp. nov.), Smarididae ( Burfessonia maryae gen. et sp. nov.) and Trombellidae ( Nothrotrombidium myanmarum sp. nov.) (Arachnida: Trombidiformes, Parasitengona) are described from the Upper Cretaceous (Albian) Burmese amber. Other erythraeoid and trombidioid mites, not identified to the species level, including larvae attached to nematoceran flies, were discovered in the same fossiliferous deposits from Myanmar. These are the first Cretaceous records of named species of Smarididae and Trombellidae and of unnamed Microtrombidiidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coloninae is a tiny and distinctive subfamily of the highly diverse family Leiodidae (round fungus and small carrion beetles). Although only one leiodid fossil is known from the Mesozoic, its taxonomic position and classification are doubtful. We describe the first definitive Coloninae fossil, Colon burmiticum Yamamoto sp. nov., from Upper Cretaceous amber of Myanmar. Our finding sheds light on the origin and early evolutionary history of this peculiar genus and its subfamily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our knowledge of Mesozoic zorapteran diversity is largely acquired from two recent works by Engel and Grimaldi (2002) and Kaddumi (2005), where five new species of the order were described from lower Cretaceous Jordanian and mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber. Here, we report the occurrence of two additional species, Zorotypus ( Octozoros ) cenomanianus sp. n., and Z . ( s. str. ) denticulatus sp. n., in Burmese amber. The former new species shares with Z . nascimbenei Engel & Grimaldi, Z . acanthothorax Engel & Grimaldi, and Z. hudae (Kaddumi) a reduced number of antennomeres (eight), while the latter possesses nine-segmented antennae similar to Z . cretatus Engel & Grimaldi. Both new species are readily separable from known extinct congeners by features of the antenna, nota, wings, and terminal abdominal segments, as well as the spination of the metafemur and metatibia. The discovery of two additional Zorotypus species in Myanmar amber suggests a potentially higher diversity of Burmese zorapterans in tropical forests than currently documented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new genus and species of cimicomorphan bug, Aphrastomedes anthocoroides Yamada and Yamamoto, gen. and sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on two specimens preserved in Upper Cretaceous (Cenomanian) amber from the Hukawng Valley of northern Myanmar (Burma). This remarkable cimicomorphan species is tentatively assigned to the family Velocipedidae primarily on the basis of the structure of the labium, forewings, and genitalia. Aphrastomedes is considered best placed in the Cimiciformes as a member of the Velocipedidae, and it also has a close relationship to the Medocostidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoscorpions are an ancient lineage of arachnids but have a scarce fossil record, presumably because these animals are small (2–8 mm in body length) and live in habitats where they do not fossilize easily. This is particularly the case for one of the more basal lineages, the superfamily Chthonioidea, which are common and diverse in leaf litter habitats across the world but have only been described in the fossil record from some specimens in Baltic, Dominican and Chiapas ambers. Here, we describe and illustrate the oldest pseudoscorpion of the superfamily Chthonioidea from the mid-Cretaceous (lowermost Cenomanian, ca. 99 Mya) amber of northern Myanmar and extend the known fossil record of this diverse superfamily from the Eocene into the Cretaceous. Fragments that suggest a diverse pseudoscorpion fauna have been recorded in Myanmar (Burmese) amber but this is only the fourth pseudoscorpion fossil described from this ancient amber type. The single adult female specimen is substantially older than the next oldest fossil chthonioids, which were described from Baltic amber (ca. 44–49 Mya), and displays small but significant differences to other chthonioids, such that we describe a new genus and species, Weygoldtiella plausus gen. et sp. nov. The placement of the trichobothria on the chelal hand suggests it can be attributed to the family Chthoniidae, but important morphological features are obscured in the fossil which obfuscates hypotheses regarding its nearest relatives. The specimen, although imperfectly preserved, has no known Recent relatives in this area or elsewhere in the diverse chthonioid fauna, and may represent an extinct lineage. Overall, this fossil is another example of the diverse arachnid community preserved in Burmese amber that includes lineages that are now extinct here and of considerable biogeographic interest, e.g. ricinuleids, and fauna which is essentially modern, e.g. solifuges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossils from the mid-Cretaceous (c. 99 Ma) Myanmar (Burma) amber include all extant orders of Arachnida, including the earliest representatives of Schizomida, Parasitiformes, and Palpigradi. Schizomids are figured from Burmese amber herein for the first time. The most abundant and diverse arachnid order is the Araneae, with 38 families, 93 genera, and 165 species recorded to date. The araneofauna is dominated by haplogynes and palpimanoids, whilst araneoids are rare and members of the RTA clade absent. The arachnofauna is typical of a tropical rainforest habitat, which concurs with evidence from other Burmese amber biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extant scorpions of the small family Chaerilidae are very sparse, and they are poorly documented in the fossil record. Here we describe two immature chaerilids from mid-Cretaceous amber of northern Myanmar based on multiple imaging methods. Our specimens can be unambiguously assigned to Chaerilus in family Chaerilidae based on their complete type B trichobothrial pattern, very broad anterior margin of maxillary lobes I, serrated ventral denticle of cheliceral movable finger, presence of pectinal fulcra, and spiniform setae on the ventral surface of tarsi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A preliminary study on fossil scorpions found in amber, from the Lower Cretaceous through the Palaeocene and up to the Miocene is proposed. Scorpions remain rare among the arthropods found trapped in amber. Only 24 specimens are known from Cretaceous amber, representing eight families and subfamilies, ten genera and 21 species; in parallel, 10 specimens have been recorded from Baltic amber representing seven genera and ten species. A few more recent fossils from Dominican and Mexican amber have also been described. The present study of a new scorpion specimen from the Cretaceous amber of Myanmar (Burmite) resulted in the description of one new species, Betaburmesebuthus bellus sp. n. - belonging to the subfamily Palaeoburmesebuthinae Lourenço, 2015. The new description brings further elements to the clarification of the status of this subfamily, which is now raised to family level. Once again, this new Burmite element attests to the considerable degree of diversity in the Burmese amber-producing forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first definitive fossil of the peculiar monotypic rove beetle subfamily Megalopsidiinae is described as a new species Megalopinus extinctus sp. n. It represents a stem lineage valuable for the study of the early diversification of Staphylinidae, where sister group relationships of Megalopsidiinae currently remain a big controversy. This discovery corroborates the Mesozoic origin of this subfamily implied by its presumably basal phylogenetic position within Staphylinidae and hitherto available fossil record for the family. Well preserved peculiar mouthparts of M. extinctus specialized similarly with recent Megalopinus suggest the same mode of feeding in Megalopsidiinae for nearly a hundred million years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New taxa of Orthoptera Ensifera are described in the families Mogoplistidae [ Protomogoplistes asquamosus gen. et sp. nov. (Upper Cretaceous) in the subfamily Protomogoplistinae subfam. nov. and Archornebius balticus gen. et sp. nov. (Eocene), Pseudarachnocephalus gen. nov., P. dominicanus sp. nov., and P. latiusculus sp. nov. (all Miocene) in Mogoplistinae] and Gryllidae [ Eopentacentrus borealis gen. et sp. nov. (Eocene), ?Grossoxipha feminea sp. nov. (Miocene), and Apentacentrus copalicus sp. nov. in the subfamily Pentacentrinae, ?Cyrtoxipha electrina sp. nov. and ?Cyrtoxipha illegibilis sp. nov. (both Miocene) in Trigonidiinae, and Baltonemobius fossilis gen. et sp. nov. (Eocene) in Nemobiinae]. The Miocene genera Proanaxipha Vickery et Poinar and Grossoxipha Vickery et Poinar are transferred from the subfamily Trigonidiinae to Pentacentrinae. P. latoca Vickery et Poinar and Abanaxipha longispina Vickery et Poinar are redescribed; the male of the latter species is described for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hukawnelca gracile gen. et sp. nov. and Caelielca spinocrus gen. et sp. nov. (Orthoptera: Elcanidae) from middle Cretaceous Burmese amber are characterized by morphological characteristics of the pronotum, metatibial spurs, and wing venation. The Hukawnelca gracile gen. et sp. nov. had the unique anatomical characters such as a long dorsal margin of the pronotum, large broad leaf-like metatibial spurs, several spines on the metatarsus, and forewing venations. Caelielca spinocrus gen. et sp. nov. had the unique morphologies of non-prolonged head and wing venation similar to those in Caelifera species. These unique morphologies of both species distinguished them from the earlier Elcanid species. • Two new genera and species of Elcanidae from Burmese amber from middle Cretaceous age reported. • Two new taxa of Hukawnelca gen. et. sp. nov. and Caelielca gen. et. sp. nov. preserved most parts assigned to Elcanidae. • Their unique morphologies distinguished them from the earlier described Elcanid species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudoscorpions have a sparse fossil record although they are among the oldest terrestrial lineages with origins that go back to the Devonian (ca. 385 Ma). Amongst the 25 extant families of pseudoscorpions, only 14 are known from fossils, most of which are preserved in European ambers from the Eocene. Burmese amber from the Cenomanian (mid-Cretaceous) of northern Myanmar is an important source of Mesozoic pseudoscorpion fossils but only six species have been described from this amber to date. In this paper, we establish the first fossil record for the pseudoscorpion family Ideoroncidae Chamberlin, 1930, which is coequally the oldest record of the pseudoscorpion superfamily Neobisioidea. The new genus Proalbiorix is established for the two species P. gracilis sp. nov. and P. compactus sp. nov. which already show all diagnostic features of members belonging to this family to date. Interestingly, Proalbiorix shows morphological features that align the fossils with present-day fauna from the Americas and Africa rather than Asia, which has biogeographical implications. Overall, the description provides another example of relative morphological stasis of pseudoscorpions compared to other arachnid lineages such as spiders, and that all major clades of pseudoscorpions were established long before the Cretaceous. • First fossil record of Pseudoscorpions of the Ideoroncidae family. • Oldest record of Neobisioidea. • New species Proalbiorix similar to present-day species from the Americas and Africa. • Morphological stasis of pseudoscorpions confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of a new genus, Burminella artiukhini , from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (ca. 99-98 Ma), is described in the family Pupinidae. This land snail possesses intermediate characters between the latter group and some other families of Cyclophoroidea. The shell of B. artiukhini is relatively high and has 8.5 whorls, which places it more closely to known genera of Pupinidae. But it differs from all other genera of the family by the oblique aperture and relatively wide conical shell, the characters common in many Cyclophoridae, Neocyclotidae and Alycaeidae. It means that B. artiukhini is possibly representing a morphological group that was ancestral to all other Pupinidae and, therefore, was transitional between this family and other Cyclophoroidea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new species belonging to genera † Burmorchestina Wunderlich, 2008 (2 species) and Orchestina Simon, 1882 (1 species) of the spider family Oonopidae Simon, 1890 are described from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber: Burmorchestina bo Jiang and Li sp. nov., B. gong Jiang and Li sp. nov., and Orchestina qiu Jiang and Li sp. nov. In addition, males of Burmorchestina acuminata Wunderlich, 2017, B. biangulata Wunderlich, 2017, B. circular Wunderlich, 2020, B. plana Wunderlich, 2017, B. pulchra Wunderlich, 2008 and B. pulcheroides Wunderlich, 2017 are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]