Rudolf Hima

Gerarus is one of the most common insect of Carboniferous period with remains recovered across major localities, such as the Mazon Creek, Illinois and Commentry, France. So much so early specimens were described as separate species, before eventually they got synonymised.

Their material abundance seemed to reveal some key features of this genus. Elongated clypeus. Traces of wing venation that would affect its affinity. Legs exites that could shed light into the origin of insect wings.

Except… those may not be the case at all. Later study by Bethoux & Briggs (2008) on specimens found in Mazon Creek has doubted the validity of some of these findings. Specimens unaffected was found to have no features characterized by those which were prepared and described earlier. Suggesting several specimens have been under intensive preparation, which might create artifacts.

These discrepancies call into question the accuracy of earlier interpretations and highlight the need for further investigation to shed light on this enigmatic insect.

(Illustration depicted Gerarus danielsi. One of the species known with the spiked thorax)

A genus from the extinct family Meganeuridae, Bohemiatupus elegans flew around the Late Carboniferous of today Czech Republic, 310mya. Like the other griffinflies, it bears superficial look to dragonflies but larger in size with a full wingspan up to 50 cm. These giant fliers were predators equipped with strong mandibles and barbed legs to capture prey. The size of the thorax might made its vision less effective than modern dragonflies (Nel et al, 2018). But such large compound eyes would have still given it enough precise vision.

Had a dream of endless herd of horses running. No Titanis unfortunately.

A troop of Ardipithecus on the run. One individual pushes its forelimbs off the ground, propelling the upper body upward. For a brief moment, one footstep is followed by another, arms flailing on the side before landing back down.

Not yet.

The Words You Say