Minimochrysa, Jepson & Makarkin, 2023

Jepson, James E. & Makarkin, Vladimir N., 2023, Fossil Neuropterida (Insecta: Neuroptera and Raphidioptera) from the middle Eocene Kishenehn Formation, Montana, USA, Zootaxa 5306 (4), pp. 427-444 : 430-431

Genus Minimochrysa gen. nov.

urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:1A315754-A548-4BB7-9739-6A3C2E948EA7

Type and only species. Minimochrysa latialata sp. nov.

Etymology. From the Latin minimus, - a, - um, tiny, smallest, and Chrysopa , a genus-group name, in reference to smallest chrysopid genus. Gender feminine.

Diagnosis. Differs from other nothochrysine genera by combination of following forewing character states: extremely short (≤ 5 mm); broadly-rounded apically; distal branches of RP originating at almost right angles; RA almost reaching wing apex.

Remarks. The Nothochrysinae affinity is based on a very long RA and long Sc. In Chrysopinae, RA is much shorter, terminating at C well proximad of wing apex. In Limaiinae, Sc is much shorter than RA. The venation of Apochrysinae is very different from that of this specimen.

In most other genera of Nothochrysinae , the forewing is apically subacute or at least has a more oval apex, and the distal branches of RP originate more obliquely. In those genera that have a similar broadly-rounded forewing apex and distal branches of RP originating at almost right angles (e.g., Kimachrysa Tjeder, 1966), their RA is very short.