First beetle elytra, abdomen (Coleoptera) and a mine trace from Lunz (Carnian, Late Triassic, Lunz-am-See, Austria) and their taphonomical and evolutionary aspects

Abstract

Four new species of Permosynidae are described: Platycrossus caroli Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov., Hydrobiites handlirschi Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov., Ademosyne polyzetete Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov. and Diarcuipenna bennettitophila Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov. Together with one polyphagous abdomen, they represent the first beetle remains from the Lunz formation, known for its richness in bennettite and cycad leaf remains and also for the bennettite reproductive organs. Furthermore, the first insect mine trace on a Nilssonia leaf segment is described, which is one of the most ancient linear mine traces. The rareness of insect remains in the plant-bearing layers of the Lunz formation is still an enigma from the taphonomical-chemical point of view. The palaeoentomological and palaeobotanical considerations tentatively indicate a relationship between the rare occurrence of coniferous plants and the evolution or radiation of phytophagous insects during this time. © The Palaeontological Association.