Saxonagrion minutus nov. gen. et sp., the oldest damselfly from the Upper Permian of France (Odonatoptera, Panodonata, Saxonagrionidae nov. fam.)

Abstract Saxonagrion minutus nov. gen. et sp. was found in the Saxonian (Salagou Formation) of the Lodeve basin. It is the oldest and the first record of the modern infra-order Panodonata in the Palaezoic (Upper Permian of France). The present discovery supports the hypothesis concerning the persistance of many groups of Odonatoptera through the Permo-Triassic boundary.

New Martynoviidae from the Permian of Southern France (Lodève basin) (Insecta: Palaeoptera: Diaphanopterodea)

Discovery of the genus Iasvia Zalessky, 1934 in the Upper Permian of France (Lodève basin) (Orthoptera, Ensifera, Oedischiidae)

Abstract New material attributed to the species Iasvia reticulata ZALESSKY, 1934 and to a new species in this genus is described from the Salagou Formation (Saxonian Group, Lodeve basin). Preamble to the taxonomic section, the wing venation pattern of Orthoptera is discussed. The numerous described specimens yield decisive information about variability of wing venation within the genus, previously based on a single specimen from the Russian Permian. I. reticulata is the first species from the Lodeve basin that is already known from another site. The biostratigraphic implications are discussed.

NEW DATA ON PALEOZOIC GRYLLOBLATTID INSECTS (NEOPTERA)

Abstract The paraphyletic group Grylloblattida, formerly included in the Protorthoptera sensu lato, is of great importance for the phylogeny of some ‘polyneopterous’ orders, because it is currently assumed to contain the sister groups of modern Plecoptera (stoneflies) and Grylloblattodea. We present new discoveries and new observations and interpretations concerning this crucial assemblage. Lodevopterum angustus new genus and species and Depressopterum minutus new species are described from the Upper Permian of the Lodeve Basin (Herault, France). The ‘Grylloblattida’ from Commentry (Allier, France; Upper Carboniferous) are revised: the family Protoblattinidae Meunier, 1909a is restored afte…

A new species of Tococladidae CARPENTER, 1966 from the Permian of France (Insecta: Archaeorthoptera)

Abstract A new forewing venation pattern of the Tococladidae is proposed and the phylogenetic affinities of this family are discussed, based on Tococladus garrici nov. sp. This fossil comes from the Salagou Formation (Permian, Saxonian Group, Lodeve basin, France). The Tococladidae is assigned to the Archaeorthoptera BETHOUX and NEL, 2002 . The biostratigraphic implications of this discovery are briefly discussed, but it is still not possible to infer any definite conclusion about the age of this formation.

A new ichnofauna from the Permian of the Zat Valley in the Marrakech High Atlas of Morocco

Abstract A new ichnofauna from the Permian of Morocco is described in details: it is the first Palaeozoic ichnofauna from the Zat Valley in Marrakech High Atlas. The new tracksite was found in the Tighdouine region, in the middle-upper Permian of the Cham-el-Houa Siltstone Formation. An abundant and diverse ichnoassemblage composed of both protostomian (probably arthropods and annelids) traces and vertebrate tracks is recorded. The presence of protostomian burrows and traceways, associated with tetrapod tracks corresponds to the Scoyenia ichnofacies. Protostomian traces are ascribed to Diplichnites gouldi, Diplopodichnus biformis, Scoyenia cf. gracilis and Spongeliomorpha carlsbergi. Tetrap…