Elcanidae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Superfamily:Elcanoidea
Elcanidae
Temporal range: Norian–Paleocene
Unidentified female elcanid included in Burmese amber, showing metatibial spurs
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Superfamily: Elcanoidea
Family: Elcanidae
Handlirsch, 1906
Type genus
Elcana
Giebel, 1856 [synonym of Panorpidium]
Subfamilies and genera

See text

Elcanidae are an extinct family of Mesozoic and early Cenozoic orthopterans. Members of the family are distinguished by the presence of spurs on the distal part of the metatibia, unique among orthopterans, these have been suggested to have been used for controlling gliding,[1] swimming aids,[2] or for jumping on water.[3] The group combines characteristics from both major groups of orthopterans, with long antennae and nymphal morphology similar to Ensifera, but with wing venation and adult morphology more similar to Caelifera.[4] Elcanidae is part of Elcanoidea, which is thought to have diverged from living orthopterans by the beginning of the Permian, around 300 million years ago.[5] The family also includes Permelcanidae, known from the Early-Late Permian. The relationship of Elcanoidea to Ensifera and Caelifera is currently unresolved.[4] Elcanids are known from the Late Triassic to Paleocene of Eurasia, North and South America. Some members of the group exhibited aposematic coloration.[6] They are thought to have been herbivorous.[7]

Sinoelcana minuta
Jurassic, China
Elcanonympha diana nymph
Wings of Parelcana pulchmacula

References

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