Mesophyletidae
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mesophyletidae Temporal range: | |
|---|---|
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| Mekorhamphus beatae paratype | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Suborder: | Polyphaga |
| Infraorder: | Cucujiformia |
| Superfamily: | Curculionoidea |
| Family: | †Mesophyletidae Poinar, 2008 |
| Subfamilies | |
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| Synonyms | |
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Mesophyletidae is an extinct family of weevils known from a number of genera preserved in Cretaceous amber. The family was first described as a subfamily in the extant family Caridae, and subsequently raised to family status in 2018.
The family is known exclusively from fossils preserved in Burmese amber, and combined with the Nemonychidae genera, the Burmese amber fauna is considered one of the richest weevil faunas of the Mesozoic,[1] rivaling Kazakhstan's late Jurassic site at Karatau. The Burmese amber fossils preserve more detail than the compression fossils from Karatau.[1] The amber paleoforest was tropical in temperature, and situated along the tidal boundary of a coastal estuary.[2] The resin from which the amber originated is most likely araucarian, based on both inclusions of wood fragments and spectroscopic analysis.[3]
Based on the elongated rostrum, antennae, and ovipositor structures; species in mesophyletidae were likely specialized herbivores which predated seeds and plant ovules in manners similar to that of the living Anthonomini, Curculionini, and related curculionid tribes. The legs are modified with elongated tarsi sporting large claws and tibia with strengthening ridges and a flattened or flared profile. These adaptations indicate an arboreal life of climbing on smooth or flimsy plant organs such as leaves and fruits.[1] Additionally the elytra did not lock along the tips, and are loose to the pygidium which would allow for quick transition to flight, something the group was likely proficient at. They have enlarged eyes composed of coarse facets protruding on their heads, a feature seen in many weevil groups that spend their lives in dark canopies or in leaf litter.[1]
