First Eumastacoidea and new Locustopsidae (Orthoptera: Caelifera) from the Crato Formation of Brazil

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Authors: Ole-Kristian Odin Schall, Daniel Lima, Sam W. Heads, Allysson Pontes Pinheiro, Martin Husemann
Cited by: 1
References: 46

Abstract

The first genus and species of Eumastacoidea from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation of northeastern Brazil is described. Cratomastax mariellaae gen. et sp. nov . is reported from a relatively well-preserved specimen, with the wings, head, and metathoracic leg aspects in good condition. It is assigned to the Eumastacoidea based on its forewing venation feature, with M and CuA + CuPaα fused. Due to the presence of two branches of M + CuA, it may be allied to Chorotypidae, but the forewing venation of other families of Eumastacoidea is not sufficiently known to confidently exclude it from these taxa. Additionally, a second species of Aestuacrida is described from the Crato Formation. Aestuacrida mikronaulion sp. nov . is significantly larger than A. stereofemoris Schall, Lima, Heads, Pinheiro, Kotthoff & Husemann, 2025, and its wing venation is more fully preserved. The new species suggests that Aestuacrida belongs to the subfamily Pseudoacridinae, increasing the diversity of this recently established taxon. Lastly, a new specimen of Locustrix gallegoi Martins-Neto, 2003, is reported. Individuals of this genus appear to be rather rare, and the apomorphies of Locustrix Martins-Neto, 2003, were not well understood. The new specimen helps resolve this issue. Locustrix can now be assigned to the subfamily Locustopsinae. The genus is characterized by having two branches of M and CuA + CuPaα and a short ScP of only about 50% of the total forewing length.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Orthoptera Research and Taxonomy Fossil Insects in Amber Subterranean biodiversity and taxonomy

Publication details

Journal / source
Contributions to Entomology
Publisher
Pensoft Publishers
Volume
76
Issue
1
Pages
35–44
Publication date
4 March 2026
Language
EN