Familial Clarification of Saucrosmylidae stat. nov. and New Saucrosmylids from Daohugou, China (Insecta, Neuroptera)

Revision of the lacewing genus Laccosmylus with two new species from the Middle Jurassic of China (Insecta, Neuroptera, Saucrosmylidae)

The genus Laccosmylus Ren & Yin, 2003 belonging to Saucrosmylidae was erected by using a single hind wing only. Based on new fossil material and re-examination of the type specimen, the diagnosis of the genus is emended with supplementary forewing characters, reported for the first time. In addition, two new species Laccosmyluscicatricatussp. n. and Laccosmyluslatizonussp. n. are described.

Phylogeny and Evolution of Neuropterida: Where Have Wings of Lace Taken Us?

The last 25 years of phylogenetic investigation into the three orders constituting the superorder Neuropterida-Raphidioptera, Megaloptera, and Neuroptera-have brought about a dramatic revision in our understanding of the evolution of lacewings, snakeflies, dobsonflies, and their diverse relatives. Phylogenetic estimations based on combined analyses of diverse data sources, ranging from adult and larval morphology to full mitochondrial genomic DNA, have begun to converge on similar patterns, many times in accordance with hypotheses put forth by Cyril Withycombe nearly a century ago. These data, in combination with information from the fossil record, have given a revised perspective on the historical evolution and classification of Neuropterida, necessitating an overhaul of their organization and providing focus and insight on fruitful future efforts for neuropterology.